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Exploring Proactive Behaviors of Employees in the Prevention of Burnout

Author

Listed:
  • Madelon C.B. Otto

    (Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • Nicole Hoefsmit

    (Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • Joris van Ruysseveldt

    (Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • Karen van Dam

    (Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Extensive evidence indicates that burnout can have detrimental consequences for individuals as well as organizations; therefore, there is a great need for burnout prevention. While burnout prevention interventions initiated by the employer have previously been studied, the proactive behaviors employees deploy themselves to prevent burnout have received less research attention. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative interview study was to enhance our understanding of the self-initiated actions employees undertake to prevent burnout, using the model of proactive motivation and conservation of resources theory as theoretical frameworks. Findings indicated that most participants reported to engage in specific kinds of proactive burnout prevention behaviors. The reported self-initiated proactive actions were aimed at maintaining and/or increasing resources and/or reducing demands in the work, home, and personal domain. The study contributes to the literature by linking the proactive motivation process to the prevention of burnout and by focusing on both work and non-work factors. Results of this study can be used in further research into the (effectiveness of) employees’ proactive burnout prevention behaviors and serve as a starting point for developing interventions aimed at enhancing proactive burnout prevention.

Suggested Citation

  • Madelon C.B. Otto & Nicole Hoefsmit & Joris van Ruysseveldt & Karen van Dam, 2019. "Exploring Proactive Behaviors of Employees in the Prevention of Burnout," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:20:p:3849-:d:275510
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Yara Shoman & Emna El May & Sandy Carla Marca & Pascal Wild & Renzo Bianchi & Merete Drevvatne Bugge & Cigdem Caglayan & Dimitru Cheptea & Marco Gnesi & Lode Godderis & Sibel Kiran & Damien M. McElven, 2021. "Predictors of Occupational Burnout: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Madelon C. B. Otto & Joris Van Ruysseveldt & Nicole Hoefsmit & Karen Van Dam, 2020. "The Development of a Proactive Burnout Prevention Inventory: How Employees Can Contribute to Reduce Burnout Risks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Gregor Wolbring & Aspen Lillywhite, 2023. "Burnout through the Lenses of Equity/Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Disabled People: A Scoping Review," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-31, May.

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