Effect of Work Overload on Job Burnout: The Moderation Effect of Problem-Focused Coping and Job Autonomy

Abstract

Background: In the contemporary work environment marked by specialization, digitalization, and convergence, job burnout has intensified. This study aims to validate the intricate interplay between individuals and their environment in progression from high-skilled, unstructured job stress.Methods: This study explores the moderating effects of problem-focused coping and job autonomy on the relationship between work overload and job burnout. The participant pool comprised 150 employees (mean age=40.7, 68.7% women) stationed at large commercial bank branches in Korea.Results: First, the study did not uncover a statistically significant moderation effect of problem-focused coping on the relationship between work overload and job burnout. Second, the findings revealed that the impact of work overload on job burnout displayed variation contingent upon the levels of problem-focused coping and job autonomy.Conclusions: This study underscores the pivotal role of ensuring job autonomy within the work environment to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of excessive work situations through problem-focused coping.