Exiting the space between the rock and the hard place: An integrative managerial approach to tackling burnout in a business context

Abstract

In the current volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous business markets, employees and managers alike struggle with mental health issues. These challenging times are reflected in a state of permacrisis impacting job market instabilities, fluctuating demand, and tight deadlines set by clients, leading to increased workplace stress and, consequently, burnout. The current literature lacks an integrative managerial approach to burnout to help companies provide a safe working environment for their employees. Therefore, this study aims to advance the current theoretical understanding of burnout in a business context. Data are collected from 27 companies to analyze different work-related practices impacting burnout. Results indicate that effective organizational interventions are often inexpensive, with the key to progress resting in an integrative approach to burnout that is constantly evaluated. This strategic approach requires prevention, support, and reintegration processes, and cognizance of their different practices and underlying mechanisms. This study contributes to the literature on burnout in business marketing while offering actionable, research-based managerial recommendations for integrative burnout management.