Stress, Teamwork, and Wellbeing Policies: A Synergistic Approach to Reducing Burnout in Public Sector Organizations

Abstract

This study investigates the moderating effects of teamwork and employee wellbeing policies on the relationship between workplace stress and burnout within the Australian Public Service (APS). Using data from a large-scale cross-sectional survey conducted in 2022, we examine how both strong team support and organizational wellbeing policies buffer the negative impacts of increased work stress on burnout likelihood. The findings indicate that high levels of both teamwork and wellbeing significantly reduce the likelihood of burnout in high-stress environments. Conversely, the absence of either or both factors tends to relatively exacerbate burnout risk. In addition, employee age is found to negatively correlate with burnout, while role seniority is associated with higher burnout likelihood. Gender differences suggest female employees report slightly higher burnout rates. The results provide valuable insights into organizational strategies for reducing burnout likelihood. In a practical sense they highlight the importance of fostering supportive team environments while also implementing comprehensive wellbeing initiatives in high-stress work environments.