BURNOUT, GENDER DIFFERENCES AND EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING AMONG STAFF OF BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI, NIGERIA

Abstract

Employee well-being is very important in every organization to function optimally. Every employee needs psychological, social, subjective and workplace well-being to operate maximally in any organization. However, many staff (males and females) of Benue State University, Makurdi are faced with burnout due to heavy workloads.  Thus, this study examines influence of burnout on employee well-being among staff of Benue State University Makurdi. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey method. Two main objectives were formulated for the study: to explore influence of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment) on employee well-being; to investigate influence of gender differences on employee well-being among staff of Benue State University, Makurdi. A total of 327 participants, comprising 185 (56.6%) male and 142 (43.4%) female participated in the study through simple random sampling technique.  Demographic information form and   two standardized instruments namely: Maslach Burnout Inventory (1981); Pradhan and Hati’s employee well-being scales were used to gather data from respondents.  Multiple linear regression and independent t-test were used to analyze data.  The findings revealed that the overall burnout negatively and significantly influenced employee well-being among staff of Benue State University, Makurdi, R² =553, [F (3, 323) =133.170; P<.01]; Finding also revealed that there were no significant gender differences on employee wellbeing among staff of Benue State University, Makurdi t [(325= df) = -.735; P>.05]. The study concluded that burnout is a determinant of employee well-being.  The higher the level of burnout by staff, the lower the level of employee well-being. Also, there were no gender differences on employee well-being among staff of Benue State University, Makurdi. The study recommended amongst others that, the Benue State Government through the University Management and the Governing Council   should improve on staff motivation and psychological, social, subjective, and workplace well-being of her employees for optimal performance. In addition, more employees should be hired for the reduced workloads and burnout among staff of the university for higher productivity. 

Keywords:  Burnout, gender differences, employee well-being, Benue State University Makurdi.