The idea of undertaking it is still attractive to most Spaniards, but the economic factor influences decisively. This is how the study puts itOn the professional aspirations and fears of the Spanish population” carried out by Ionos that examines the wishes and professional concerns of the inhabitants of Spain, as well as their entrepreneurial initiative. In this aspect, 56% of those surveyed imagine starting their own business and, in addition, 57% associate this form of work with a greater probability of being happy.
In addition to the entrepreneurial panorama, the study generically evaluates the level of satisfaction of Spaniards with their current employment situation and reveals that 31% of those surveyed are dissatisfied with it. In the case of young people between 20 and 29 years old, this figure is even higher, increasing to 45%.
Differentiating by sex, in addition to age groups, the results of the survey also confirm the perpetuation of stereotypes and gender roles, as well as the gender gap in the workplace. The study indicates that women are four times more likely to be housewives (8% vs. 2%) and, similarly, more than twice as many women as men work part-time (16% vs. 7 %).
Being an entrepreneur, an attractive idea, but economically complicated
Although the majority of Spaniards see the entrepreneurial option as attractive, the survey also reveals that the female population is more predisposed to it than the male (60% vs. 53%). Regarding its relationship with happiness, creating your own business is not only seen as an option to be happier by those who have not started a business, but also those who are already self-employed consider it likely (61%) or very likely (13%).
Among the reasons why being an entrepreneur attracts Spaniards, the best salary possibilities is the most voted option (55.6%), followed by a flexible schedule (43.2%) or the fact of being your own boss (39 .8%). However, when it comes to taking the step, personal finances also become an obstacle: the lack of sufficient savings is the main reason for 54% of those surveyed. Another factor that prevents Spaniards from creating their own business is also the financial risk (33%) and the lack of a business idea (30.4%).
At this point, and since they ask, 64.2% would like to receive financial support through financing programs, 49.6% would like to have help with bureaucratic obstacles and 43.6% would like to be supported with the marketing part. and advertising.
High wages, flexible hours and conciliation: the dream of the Spanish worker
The survey also contemplates the factors that make up the ideal job, where a high salary is the most desired criterion (58%), followed by flexible work (57%) and a better conciliation (50%). In this aspect, there is also a significant difference according to gender: while women seek greater flexibility in the professional field (58%), men want a better salary (63%). Among other reasons, this could be due to the fact that they tend to be the ones who take on domestic responsibilities and take care of the family and home for the most part.
Sustainability, star factor for business success
Decision-making around sustainability is a factor that is increasingly present in companies and in entrepreneurial activity. This is also reflected in the survey, since, when defining the job of their dreams, only 3% of the Spanish participants in the study take sustainability into account as one of the five qualities they want to find in said job. However, when starting a business, this consideration changes drastically.
If they were in the situation of having to undertake, 85% of Spaniards consider that sustainability plays an important role. Spaniards see this factor as a business driver because it projects a positive image towards customers (52.8%) and secondly because it generates greater chances of success, thanks to a business model prepared for the future (39.8%) .
In short, the study of Ionos reflects the desire of the Spanish for improve their working, economic and conciliation conditions At the same time, they consider that entrepreneurship can be a good option to achieve their goals. However, economic and knowledge obstacles prevent them from taking the step to create their own business. Despite these difficulties, entrepreneurship in Spain continues to grow: in the first half of 2021, the net creation of companies increased by 57.6% compared to the same period in 2020 (National Institute of Statistics).
