Exploring intergenerational differences in burnout and how they relate to work engagement, norms, and values: a...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health Psychology
• Sociology of Work
• Generational Studies

Background:

• Burnout prevalence is increasing, prompting investigation into contributing factors.
• The study examines whether changing work circumstances or societal context drives this rise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore intergenerational differences in burnout.
• To test the job demands-resources model (JD-RM) across age groups.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining quantitative web surveys and qualitative focus groups.
• Survey data collected from 309 working adults (aged 21-65) in Belgium.
• Focus groups explored themes identified in the survey regarding burnout, work ethic, engagement, and values.

Main Results:

• 21.5% of participants met burnout criteria; 22.6% scored high on engagement.
• Significant generational differences observed in values like "equivalence," "stimulation," and "traditions."
• Younger generation reported higher agreement with sacrificing pleasures for success and exhibited higher work ethic and commitment.

Conclusions:

• Burnout is more common among younger workers.
• Older generations appear to have protective resources against burnout, including perspective-taking, work-life balance, and tradition.
• Younger generations face more stressors but demonstrate higher work ethic and commitment, suggesting a need for tailored support strategies.