The association between burnout of healthcare employees and quality of work-life in Northwestern Turkey

AIM: The present study aimed to determine the factors that affect the working life quality (WLQ) of healthcare employees and to examine the association between burnout levels and WLQ. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 332 healthcare employees working in Kirklareli, Northwestern Turkey. The data were collected with the e-survey, which included the Personal Information Form, Working Life Quality Questionnaire (WLQQ), and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Form (MBI-GF). RESULTS: A total of 54.2% of the participants, who had a mean age of 34.45±8.82, were midwives/nurses and 14.5% were physicians. It was determined that 71.1% of the participants had increased workloads, 81.6% were working outside their job descriptions during the pandemic period, and 57.8% wanted to quit their job. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, according to the adjusted models, a positive and significant association was determined between the WLQQ general dimension scores and having professional seniority of ≥10 years, and a negative association was detected with working in a secondary healthcare institution, increased workload, working outside the job description, and the desire to quit the job (p < 0.05). A positive association was detected between the WLQQ general dimension scores and the competence sub-dimension of the MBI-GF, and a significant and negative association was detected between burnout and desensitization (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: WLQ scores increased as the burnout and desensitization decreased and the competence increased among the healthcare employees. In order to raise the WLQ, initiatives must be planned to improve the working conditions of healthcare employees and reduce psychosocial risks.