Cognitive multitasking among hybrid entrepreneurs: the hidden costs for body and mind

Purpose Hybrid entrepreneurship is the practice of individuals launching a business while simultaneously maintaining their primary job in paid employment. This study examines how cognitive multitasking impacts psychological distress among hybrid entrepreneurs using job demands-resources theory to investigate the mediating roles of stress, sleep quality and perceived health. Design/methodology/approach Data from 228 Quebec hybrid entrepreneurs were analyzed using sequential mediation modeling with Macro-Process. Findings While hybrid entrepreneurs vary in their ability to compartmentalize dual roles, cognitive multitasking is positively associated with psychological distress. While sleep quality does not directly mediate this relationship, it operates through two indirect pathways: increasing stress levels and deteriorating self-rated health. Both stress and self-rated health significantly mediate between cognitive multitasking and psychological distress. Research limitations/implications Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and objective measures across diverse contexts. Practical implications Hybrid entrepreneurs should implement structured time management techniques and prioritize sleep hygiene. Organizations should offer flexible work arrangements and stress management resources, while entrepreneurship support programs should incorporate well-being components addressing dual-career challenges. Social implications Addressing the psychological and physiological costs of hybrid entrepreneurship can foster sustainable entrepreneurial activity while reducing work-related psychological distress and associated societal costs. Originality/value This study advances research on entrepreneurial well-being by examining how multitasking affects psychological health in hybrid entrepreneurs, addressing an understudied segment, highlighting cognitive and physiological costs and clarifying the complex relationships between cognitive multitasking, sleep, stress, health and psychological distress.