OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AND BURNOUT AMONG HEALTHCARE EMPLOYEES: EVIDENCE FROM CSI JAYARAJ ANNAPACKIAM MISSION HOSPITAL, TIRUNELVELI

Introduction: Occupational stress and burnout pose serious problems concerning the health and productivity of
healthcare professionals worldwide. Constant pressure arising from excessive workload, shift work, emotional strains,
and organizational support inadequacy is likely to cause burnout and deteriorate service quality. Aim: To determine
the extent of occupational stress and burnout experienced by healthcare workers, identify the sources of stress, and
measure their effect on performance and job satisfaction. Methodology: Descriptive design was used. Primary data
collection was carried out by means of a self-administered Likert scale questionnaire distributed to 60 participants.
Statistical methods included percentage, descriptive statistics, and Pearson's correlation (SPSS software). Findings:
Most of the participants comprised young female nurses (78.3% females; 61.7% nurses); less than 25 years old. About
71.6% worked for many hours. Emotional exhaustion and physical exhaustion were felt by 60% and 56.6% of
respondents, respectively. There was high correlation between stress related to job performance and emotional
exhaustion (r=0.707; p<0.001). A high relationship existed between burnout related to job satisfaction and job
performance (r=0.518; p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a serious problem of occupational stress and burnout that is
statistically significant. There is need to develop a well-structured stress management program, have adequate
personnel, flexible working schedules, and employee support.
Keywords: occupational stress, burnout, healthcare workers, emotional exhaustion, job performance, organisational
support, hospital management.