DETERMINANTSOF BURNOUT AND ITS PREVALENCE AMONG EMPLOYEES IN A MOROCCAN PRIVATE COMPANY

Abstract

Burnout or occupational exhaustion syndrome is a neuropsychological disorder resulting from chronic stress at work. Employees of private companies are highly exposed to this risk because of the overload of work in addition to the long daily working hours. We have therefore conducted a study whose aim is to assess the prevalence of burnout and its components, as well as to study socio-professional determinants among employees.We tested 102 employees aged between 22 and 60 years with an average age of 36.76 years 10.5 years. 77% were men and 24% were women. They were asked to complete freely and anonymously a general information sheet and the MBI questionnaire “Maslach Burn-out Inventory” in its French version with language adaptation. This consists of 22 items, evaluating three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA). A score was calculated and a rating in the degree of severity (low, moderate and high) was given for each of the dimensions, according to internationally accepted standards.The analysis of the results showed a high prevalence of burnout. Statistical analyses show that the rate of burnout in the age group over 40 equals 47.2% against 31.8% only among employees aged under 40. Similarly, the burnout rate among women is about the same as men (p=0.977). Emotional exhaustion (EE) is the most widespread component in exhausted subjects. It was found to be high for 14.7% of em- ployees; while depersonalization (DP) or high cynicism affects only 3.9% of subjects. Significant links between depersonalization and gender as well as professional seniority are obtained. Concerning the level of schooling, the rate of burnout decreases when the school level increases but without significance (p = 0.474). The rate of burnout is high among executing workers followed by senior managers. However, this link remains statistically insignificant. Concerning seniority, we note that the prevalence of burnout increases with professional seniority and even in the meaningless position. We also observe a higher rate of burnout among employees withcompany seniority of less than 10 years in addition to the oldest, but without any meaning.Professional exhaustion or burnout exists strongly in Moroccan compa- nies. In order to be able to adapt to the rapid development of the market and its increased demands, it is essential that business leaders prevent this pathology by improving the psychosocial work environment.