Correlates of Job Burnout among Human Services Workers: Implications for Workforce Retention

Authors

Madhavappallil Thomas, California State University BakersfieldFollow
Vandana Kohli, California State University Bakersfield
Jong Choi, California State University BakersfieldFollow

Keywords

Burnout, human service workers, caseload size, workforce retention, policy, practice

Abstract

Job burnout has impacted workers and negatively transformed the social agency and its clients. This study examined the correlates of job burnout among human service workers in a non-urban setting in Central California. Using a convenience sample, researchers collected responses from 288 participants on a 13 item burnout scale. Findings indicated that workers experienced moderate to high levels of job burnout. Several scale items, including caseload size, age, gender, education, and experience, were significantly correlated with burnout. In addition, regression analyses revealed that caseload size was the most significant predictor of job burnout among human service workers. Implications for workforce retention and policy practice are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Madhavappallil; Kohli, Vandana; and Choi, Jong (2014) "Correlates of Job Burnout among Human Services Workers: Implications for Workforce Retention," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 41: Iss. 4, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3983
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol41/iss4/5