An Analysis of the Impact of Burnout and Resilience on Performance Among the Hospitality Workmen of Bengaluru Luxury Hotels

Abstract

Burnout, a pervasive yet underrecognized issue in the hospitality industry, poses significant threats to employee well-being and organisational performance. This study, from a Human Resource Management perspective, provides a comprehensive exploration of burnout and resilience among hospitality workers. Building upon Herbert Freudenberger’s foundational work on burnout, this research employs a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 100 hospitality professionals and structural equation modelling, to investigate the prevalence, severity, and contributing factors of burnout across various sectors. Our findings highlight the intricate web of occupational stressors that drive burnout in this fast-paced industry, including protracted working hours, high-pressure environments, emotional labour demands, and work-life balance challenges. Moreover, demographic variations in burnout manifestations- such as gender dynamics and generational differences- are uncovered, underscoring the need for tailored interventions. Alarmingly, many workers fail to recognise the symptoms of burnout in themselves, leading to diminished resilience and compromised mental health, a finding that reveals a critical gap in current Human Resource Development efforts. This research not only identifies the specific job-related stressors linked to anxiety and depression symptoms but also evaluates the effectiveness of existing HR initiatives in addressing these challenges, revealing a disconnect between employee needs and organisational support. To address these issues, we propose a framework of evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing burnout and enhancing resilience among hospitality workers, including targeted mental health support. By bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application, this study contributes valuable insights for HR practitioners, offering strategies to cultivate a more resilient, satisfied, and productive workforce in one of the world’s most demanding industries.

Keywords: Burnout, Resilience, Hospitality Workers, Employee Well-being, Occupational Stress, Mental Health, Work-Life Balance, HR Interventions

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