Emerald Management Reviews

Design/methodology/approach - Presents the findings from the relevant literature on the burnout-engagement continuum; draws attention to how exhaustion figures prominently in the research as a key component of burnout. Suggests, however, that exhaustion fails to capture completely the critical aspects of the relationships that people have with their working environment and identifies two other aspects of burnout cynicism and reduced efficacy. Assesses these three dimensions of the burnout-engagement continuum using the MBI (a standard tool). Provides a number of hypotheses on early indicators of burnout and engagement; tests these using information from the yearly evaluations of business and admin services staff at a university.

Findings - Highlights how there are two indicators that point to those people likely to suffer from burnout: an early warning sign of inconsistent scores and the tipping point experience of job-person incongruence. Puts forward how incongruity in the workplace, related to the area of fairness, proved to be a major factor for individuals.

Research limitations/implications - Outlines a number of implications from the study for management.

Originality/value - Provides important research that can be used to develop strategies aimed at reducing employee burnout.