Workplace Factors and Employee Indifference: Psychological Role of Burnout as a Mediator

Abstract

Background: A change in employee attitude, particularly when online and hybrid modes of work are preferred, is one of the biggest challenges the organizations face during and after the pandemic. Employee indifference characterised by cynicism, lack of motivation and commitment has significant influence on employee well-being and organisational productivity. This study aims to provide valuable insights into understanding and mitigating the critical issues in contemporary wprk environments.

Objectives: This study explores the relationship between workplace factors and employee indifference, focusing on the psychological role of burnout as a mediator.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the college teachers in the state of Kerala, India. 217 teachers were selected for the sample. The data for the study was collected using electronic questionnaires sent to the respondents via Google form. The questionnaire included questions to collect responses on workplace factors, employee indifference and burnout. Data analysis techniques like descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and CFA were used to test the hypothesis.

Results: The workplace factors have a mean percentage score of (75%), employee indifference (46.8%) and burnout (34.4%). The workplace factors have a significant negative influence on employee indifference and burnout plays a positive mediating role for the relation between workplace factors and employee indifference.

Conclusion: The workplace factors play a significant role in shaping the indifference attitude of employees, and burnout in turn has a critical role as a mediator in this relationship. Hence the organisationas can implement targeted interventions in planning workplace to control the burnout and employee indifference levels and enhance employee performance and satisfaction.