Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative, positivistic study is to investigate the impact of servant leadership on follower burnout. Given the disruption and uncertainty that continues with the workforce in the United States, scholars and practitioners need to understand factors that can reduce job burnout and increase employee engagement. Prior research conducted by Schaufeli (2015) found that “engaging” leaders (leaders who attempt to inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers) had a significant impact on helping followers manage their job demands, but an even stronger relationship to providing or helping employees acquire job resources.
Using data from 75 HR practitioners, this study applies regression and mediation analyses to examine the relationship between servant leadership and emotional exhaustion through the mediating impact of helping employees effectively manage their job demands, and by providing or enhancing the resources they need to do their work. The findings from this study indicate that servant leadership positively influences emotional exhaustion, with leader satisfaction playing a crucial role. This suggests that effective leadership practices that prioritize servant leadership qualities such as empathy, support, and open communication can alleviate burnout, improve employee engagement, and enhance productivity.
Ultimately, this study underscores the transformative potential of servant leadership in creating supportive work environments that foster employee satisfaction, reduce burnout and improve organizational effectiveness. Organizations that prioritize servant leadership and employee well-being are better positioned to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic workplace to ensure long-term success.