New research indicates that public service professionals who perceive their work as meaningful are less prone to emotional exhaustion and burnout. This study, conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia, Ohio State University, and Washington University, sheds light on the factors influencing the well-being of frontline public service workers.
Frontline employees in public service often grapple with heavy workloads, inadequate pay, and a lack of appreciation for the emotionally taxing nature of their jobs. In times of crisis, these workers experience heightened turnover rates, frequently attributed to burnout. “Most individuals in government roles are driven by a desire to assist others and contribute positively to society,” remarked Bradley Wright, the lead author of the study and a professor at the UGA School of Public and International Affairs. “Our research indicates that those who choose careers to help others find significant meaning in their work, which can serve as a protective buffer against occupational stress.”
The study analyzed data from over 650 police officers through two surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021. Participants evaluated statements such as, “I feel emotionally drained by my work,” and “the work I do helps to make the community a safer place.” The researchers compared responses from before and during the heightened stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial justice protests.
“Frontline government workers, whether they are teachers, police officers, or nurses, face considerable stress due to the challenging tasks they must perform, often without sufficient resources,” explained Wright. “With the onset of COVID-19, these individuals transitioned from already demanding daily tasks to situations where every interaction could pose a serious risk to their health or safety. Police officers were particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus.”
During the pandemic, law enforcement officials faced the additional challenge of enforcing laws related to COVID-19, such as curfews, which were not always well-received by the public. “Interactions with police officers can be stressful under normal circumstances, and the pandemic exacerbated these challenges,” Wright added.
Previous research has largely focused on the intrinsic motivation to help others as a buffer against burnout. However, this new study emphasizes that public service workers need to feel they are genuinely making a difference to guard against emotional exhaustion. “If an individual wishes to help others but does not feel they are making an impact, they may miss out on the psychological benefits that alleviate stress and enhance job satisfaction,” noted Wright.
The study also found that positive reinforcement from supervisors can play a crucial role in preventing burnout. Supportive feedback helps employees remain engaged in their work and connected with those they serve. In a subsequent study, findings revealed that meaningful work and supervisory support decrease the likelihood of employees leaving their jobs. “It”s essential for leaders to remind their teams of the importance of their roles and illustrate the impact of their contributions,” Wright stated. “A supervisor”s role includes connecting the broader mission to individual performance, highlighting specific ways an employee has made a difference.” This approach fosters greater job satisfaction and motivation among employees.
Published in the journal Public Administration Review, the study was co-authored by Shahidul Hassan and Darwin A. Baluran.
