Work-Related Well-Being of Emergency Workers in Gauteng

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the relationships between occupational stress, sense of coherence, burnout and work engagement of emergency workers in Gauteng and to determine whether sense of coherence moderates the effects of occupational stress on burnout and work engagement. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A convenience sample ( N = 323) was taken from emergency workers in Gauteng. The Maslach Burnout Inventory — Human Services Survey, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, the Emergency Worker Stress Inventory and the Orientation to Life Questionnaire were administered. The results showed that occupational stress (as a result of a lack of job resources) and a weak sense of coherence predicted emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Sense of coherence predicted personal accomplishment and work engagement. However, sense of coherence did not moderate the effects of occupational stress on emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment or work engagement.