Relationships at work, burnout and job satisfaction: a study on Irish psychologists

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the levels of job satisfaction (JS) and burnout among psychologists working in Irish community mental health teams (CMHTs), and the relationships between these factors and three relational predictors: teamwork, liaison with management/supervisor and relationships among co-workers. Associations with absenteeism and participants’ turnover potential were also explored. Design/methodology/approach – Participants were 77 psychologists currently working in CMHTs nationwide or who had left a CMHT in the previous three years. Findings – Liaison with management/supervisor and teamwork emerged as significant predictors of JS but not of burnout. Relationships among co-workers emerged as a significant predictor of two dimensions of burnout. JS and burnout levels had no overall significant association with absenteeism or turnover potential. Practical/implications – This study confirmed that well-known associations between relational aspects of one’s job and the levels of JS and burnout were also present in this sample of psychologists, highlighting the vulnerability of these professionals to the same risks that affect workers in positions requiring comparatively lower psychological-mindedness. Service providers need to consider this important factor in their efforts to enhance productivity and prevent turnover, and it can be addressed at no extra costs by optimising the use of existing resources. Originality/Value – This study is one of the first to focus on relational aspects of CMHTs considering a sample of psychologists. Furthermore, while the three relational factors considered have been examined before in their individual relationships to JS and burnout, this study investigates their interactions with each other.