Publication date: Aug 01, 2025

In 2021, 23. 9% of Korean workers were self-employed, with the majority working in small enterprises. As the unemployment rate increased after the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of small enterprises increased annually. Although interest in the health of small enterprises is increasing, insufficient research has been conducted. This study compared the well-being levels of self-employed and salaried workers in small enterprises and identified the factors affecting them. Data were obtained from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS). Adults aged ≥40 years with Korean nationality working in small enterprises (less than 50 employees) in the service/sales private sector were included. Of the 50538 respondents, 2511 (942 male, 1569 female) were included. The general characteristics of the participants were identified. The well-being levels were analyzed using subjective health items and the WHO-5 well-being index, included in the 6th KWCS. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis. People without chronic illnesses and salaried workers reported higher levels of well-being. Additionally, people who were younger, more educated, and had higher monthly incomes reported higher levels of well-being. Salaried workers showed higher levels of well-being compared to self-employed workers when stratified by the number of employees, working hours per week, and chronic illness. Self-employed workers had significantly lower levels of well-being compared to salaried workers in small enterprises. Therefore, future health policies should include measures to improve the well-being or mental health of self-employed workers. Given past trends, involuntary self-employment tends to rise during recessions, making policy interventions crucial during such periods.

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