Factors associated with burnout among health, education, and telecommunications professionals: a qualitative study in Baixada Fluminense, Brazil

Abstract

The study identifies the organizational factors that contribute to the development of burnout syndrome among professionals in the health, education, and telecommunications sectors in the Baixada Fluminense region, part of the metropolitan area of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is an exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with seven professionals, and the empirical material was analyzed following Bardin’s content analysis procedures. The results indicate that factors such as work overload, micromanagement, lack of autonomy, and a high-pressure environment are determinants of emotional exhaustion, reduced productivity, and high staff turnover. Participants identified work overload and the accumulation of duties, limited autonomy, pressure related to goals and deadlines, and insufficient organizational support as the main organizational factors. Several interviewees reported difficulties disconnecting from work, interference with their personal lives, fatigue, stress, and a perceived deterioration in emotional well-being. Some also reported having considered leaving their jobs. Most participants did not identify specific organizational actions aimed at preventing burnout, although one divergent experience involving institutional emotional health initiatives was observed. It is concluded that the absence of effective organizational strategies for burnout prevention perpetuates the vulnerability of these workers, reinforcing the urgent need for more localized and effective occupational health policies.