Investigating work conditions and burnout at three hierarchical levels.

Abstract

To investigate the differences and the association between work conditions and symptoms of burnout at the three hierarchical levels: subordinates, first-line managers, and middle managers. Analyses were based on questionnaire data from 4096 employees in nine organizations, containing three hierarchical levels: subordinates (n = 3659), first-line managers (n = 345), and middle managers (n = 92). Work conditions were found to differ between the three hierarchical levels, mostly between subordinates and managers. Managers experienced fewer symptoms of burnout than subordinates. Furthermore, the association between work conditions and burnout differed for subordinates, first-line managers, and middle managers. Occupational health research needs to focus more on differences between hierarchical levels regarding work conditions and burnout.