Berufliche Belastungen und Burnout-Risiko von Leitungs- und Fachkräften in Werkstätten für Menschen mit Behinderung: Ergebnisse der bundesweiten WeCareOnline-Studie

Abstract

Background: Research indicates that especially burnout correlates with occupational stress. Corresponding to the particularly vulnerable group of employees (i.e., employees and executives) in the disability sector no data exist for the correlations between occupational stress and burnout in sheltered workshops. Objectives: Aims of the WeCareOnline study are (1) to quantify occupational stress and (2) burnout risk among employees in sheltered workshops in Germany and (3) to determine the relationship between occupational stress and burnout risk. Materials and methods: A quantitative cross-sectional online survey of the sheltered workshops in Germany was conducted. The questionnaire was constructed from validated instruments (CBI, COPSOQ). SPSS was used for uni-, bi- and multivariate (binary-logistic regression) statistical analysis. Results: Of the 396 employees in WfbM participating in the survey (m = 50.5%; f = 49.5%), 60% (n = 186) of the participants report a high burnout risk. Respondents who report a low predictability (OR: 2.29; p < 0.05; 95%-CI 1.13–4.64), a low sense of community (OR: 2.87; p < 0.01; 95%-CI: 1.48–5.58) and high physical requirements (OR: 2.59; p < 0.01; 95%-CI: 1.32–5.06) and who experience a low appreciation (p = 2.27; p < 0.01; 95%-CI: 1.32–5.58) at work show a higher burnout risk. Conclusions: The present study shows that the majority of employees perceives a high burnout risk. Associations between occupational stress and a high burnout risk could be detected. Workplace health promotion is recommended to minimize the burnout risk.