Burnout Risk in Social Work Fields: A Cross-Field Cross-Sectional Study with a Six-Month Follow-Up on Resignations (Germany, 2024/25)

Abstract

Sora Pazer

Burnout is a structural health and quality risk in social work. The present study examines field-specific burnout profiles, work-related determinants and consequences for employee retention. In a quantitative cross-sectional design (October– December 2024), n = 97 professionals from 13 fields of work were surveyed using a standardized online questionnaire; a six-month follow-up (n = 89 achievable) recorded actual terminations. Burnout was operationalized as an average of four sub-dimensions (emotional exhaustion, feeling of permanent burnout, emotional distancing, difficulty recovering). The predictors were work volume/time pressure, emotional burden, resources/support, leadership/fairness, pay/security, meaning/effectiveness and work-life balance. The results show pronounced field gradients: highest burnout values in inpatient youth welfare (MV = 4.1), followed by homeless assistance and general social services; lowest values in school social work (MV = 2.4), integration assistance and clinical social work. At the overall sample level, burnout is strongly correlated with emotional distress (r = .72) and negatively with resources/support (r = −.67) and most strongly with work-life balance (r = −.74). Multiple regressions confirm the central role of work-life balance as the strongest independent predictor. Gender differences were evident in the follow-up: men were more likely to report intentions to quit (52.2% vs. 38.1%) and were more likely to actually quit (17.4% vs. 6.8%). The findings underline the need for field- specific prevention with a focus on recoverability (border management, duty roster quality, right to disconnect), reliable psychological support and fair leadership to reduce burnout and strengthen staff retention.

PDF