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The Hidden Struggles of New Business Managers in Large Corporations

In a recent study conducted by Engineerforce Inc., a leading IT company specializing in UI/UX design based in Shibuya, Tokyo, significant findings about the mental health of new business managers in large corporations were unveiled. The study surveyed 110 individuals with over two years of experience in new business development at companies with more than 500 employees. The results reflect a concerning reality about the emotional and psychological burdens faced by these professionals.

Loneliness in the Workplace

Over 63.7% of respondents reported feeling a sense of loneliness while engaged in new business initiatives. When asked about the reasons behind this loneliness, a staggering 55.7% cited that the time required to show results was lengthy, which led to feelings of being undervalued or overlooked. Additionally, 50% mentioned the lack of available colleagues within the organization to discuss their ventures, leaving them isolated in their efforts.

Impact of Psychological Stress

The study highlighted that over 90% of participants experienced physical symptoms related to psychological stress, such as headaches (46.4%) and sleep disturbances (43.6%). These stressors not only affect mental well-being but also significantly diminish quality of life and productivity levels.

The Dilemma of Giving Up

An alarming 81.9% of respondents expressed they had considered abandoning their new business projects. Among them, 23.6% reported having thoughts of giving up multiple times, while 43.8% had done so several times. This sentiment speaks volumes about the challenges faced in the high-pressure environments of corporate innovation.

Stress Factors

When exploring what contributed to their stress, 36.4% identified excessive expectations and pressure from senior management as a leading cause. Other stressors included anxiety over the prolonged timelines for results (34.5%) and challenging internal negotiations for resources (31.8%). Furthermore, 38.2% felt hurt when their ideas were dismissed based on prior successes, indicating a disconnect between innovative endeavors and existing frameworks that govern success in traditional business ventures.

Reasons to Persist

Despite these challenges, a notable 43.3% continued their work in new business because of positive feedback from clients and the market. Additionally, 35.6% were driven by a belief in their initiative's potential to make a meaningful impact in society, while small victories bolstered 34.4% of respondents’ determination to continue.

Moments of Encouragement

When reflecting on moments of encouragement, nearly 39.1% found solace in celebrating small successes with their teams, illustrating the importance of collaboration and shared victories in a high-stress environment. Acknowledgment from external parties about the venture's value also provided motivation for 29.1% of respondents.

Strategies for Maintaining Mental Health

To cope with stress, respondents emphasized the significance of recognizing and sharing small milestones within their teams (36.4%). They also highlighted the need for maintaining a long-term perspective and creating support networks or mentors (33.6%). These strategies reflect the resilience required to navigate the complexities of new business development effectively.

Conclusion

This survey sheds light on the significant psychological challenges faced by new business managers in large corporations. While there is growing pressure to innovate, the metrics and norms designed for existing businesses frequently overlook the unique dynamics of new ventures. Addressing these realities is critical for fostering an environment that encourages innovation and supports mental well-being. Companies must prioritize mental health resources and create avenues for dialogue and support to ensure their teams can thrive in the competitive landscape of business innovation. For further insights, download the full survey results here: Survey Report.

About Engineerforce

Founded in August 2020 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Engineerforce specializes in software development and UI/UX design. They are committed to accelerating corporate growth through user-centered design, innovative development practices, and strategic marketing. For more information, please visit Engineerforce.