The impact of high-performance work practices on employee burnout experience in UK higher education: a professional services perspective

Evidence demonstrates work intensity is on the rise and can lead to higher rates of burnout. The UK Higher Education professional services sector has been under-researched in terms of work intensity levels and experience of burnout. This research measured these levels and sought evidence of whether high-performance work practices (HPWPs) moderate the user's level of burnout. Quantitative data were collected using a cross-sector survey and tested for correlation. The results evidenced a moderate, positive relationship between work intensity and burnout, and a strong, negative relationship between HPWPs and burnout. Drawing on the Job Demands – Resources model (Demerouti et. al. 2001), this research contributes to the understanding of the factors contributing to burnout in the UK Higher Education context. Practical implications include addressing the widespread culture of overwork and employing HPWP suites to moderate burnout. Suggestions for further research provide additional clarity.