Unraveling the Burnout-Work-Life Balance Nexus: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract

This research paper investigates the intricate relationship between burnout and work-life balance among IT employees in the context of the Indian workforce. Utilizing secondary data derived from a prior study conducted by another researcher, which centered on work-life balance, burnout, and job satisfaction, the present study explores the connections between these critical variables. The original dataset consisted of 130 responses from full-time software developers working in India and employed the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, Job Satisfaction Scale, and Work-Life Balance Inventory to assess these dimensions. The primary objectives of this study are twofold. First, it examines the associations between burnout and work-life balance to better understand how these factors interrelate in the IT sector. Surprisingly, the findings revealed a positive correlation between burnout and work-life balance, which is counterintuitive and warrants further exploration. Second, the study investigates whether age and work experience contribute to variations in both burnout and work-life balance within this specific occupational group. However, no significant relationship was found between age of the employees and their burnout and work-life balance scores. Similarly, no significant connection between work experience and burnout, work experience and work-life balance was found. By leveraging existing data, this research contributes to the broader understanding of employee well-being and work-related outcomes, shedding light on the dynamics that impact Software professionals in the Indian context. The findings from this study have the potential to inform organizational strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing the work experience and productivity of the Software employees while mitigating the risk of burnout.