Burnout and Work Engagement: The JD–R Approach

TLDR

Burnout is characterized by exhaustion and cynicism, whereas engagement reflects vigor, dedication, and absorption. The article reviews definitions, antecedents, consequences, and future research directions for burnout and work engagement. The authors employ job demands–resources theory to synthesize antecedents and consequences of burnout and engagement. Burnout is more strongly linked to health outcomes, while engagement is more strongly linked to motivational outcomes.

Abstract

Whereas burnout refers to a state of exhaustion and cynicism toward work, engagement is defined as a positive motivational state of vigor, dedication, and absorption. In this article, we discuss the main definitions and conceptualizations of both concepts used in the literature. In addition, we review the most important antecedents of burnout and work engagement by examining situational and individual predictors. We also review the possible consequences of burnout and engagement and integrate the research findings using job demands–resources theory. Although both burnout and work engagement are related to important job-related outcomes, burnout seems to be more strongly related to health outcomes, whereas work engagement is more strongly related to motivational outcomes. We discuss daily and momentary fluctuations in burnout and work engagement as possibilities for future research.