Psychosocial Work Environment and Burnout among Knowledge Workers in the Information Technology (IT) Industry

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the psychosocial work environment factors that influence burnout amongst knowledge workers in the information technology industry. Psychosocial work environment was measured by its six dimensions whereas as burnout was measured as an outcome variable. Two hundred and thirty-two respondents provided their input on self-administrated questionnaire from IT industry. Structural equation modelling was performed to empirically test the relationship between psychosocial workplace environments with burnout. The study found that out of six factors, four factors (conflict & offensive behaviour, interpersonal relationship & leadership, social capital and work organization & job content have significant impact on burnout. However, the study did not find the significant impact of demand at work and work individual interface on burnout. Further the SEM emphasized the significance of conflicts and offensive behaviours among all factors towards burnout.  The findings of the study provide organizations with a clear consideration of the critical factors that need to be taken into account to reduce the occurrence of burnout amongst the knowledge workers in the IT industry. The study offers some directions for organizations in preventing burnout amongst knowledge workers in the IT industry.