Organizational climate and employee burnout in an industrial company

Abstract

Goal: the research is aimed at studying the relationship between aspects of the organizational climate and the components of employee burnout in a large industrial company. Methodology: a mini-survey of 16 company executives was conducted on the most characteristic elements of the organizational climate, selected from a list compiled on the basis of an analysis of scientific publications. Quantitative data collected during a survey of 915 employees of an industrial company in 2022. Data analysis was carried out using multivariate statistical methods. Findings: statistically significant relationships between a number of organizational climate characteristics and burnout components were identified. The most important factor in the organizational climate turned out to be transformational leadership, which affects all three components of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and evaluation of personal achievements). Organizational clarity is essential to reduce levels of depersonalization and increase the assessment of personal accomplishments and fruitful interactions with management and colleagues. The work organization has a strong impact on emotional exhaustion, and safety culture on the assessment of personal achievements. The presence of ethical practices in the company is significant, first of all, for a positive assessment of personal achievements, as well as for reducing the level of depersonalization. Originality and contribution of the authors: traditionally, the phenomenon of burnout has been studied at the individual level, the focus of researchers has been mainly employees of healthcare and educational institutions. The research underlying the article was conducted at an organizational level in an understudied industrial context.