The impact of marital and parental status on burnout and well-being among hospitality employees

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Authors: Pero Labus, Bojana Ostojić, Jelena Lukić
Cited by: 1
References: 35

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between marital and parental status and professional burnout among hospitality employees, utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Drawing on statistical evidence from a field study of 1234 participants, the analysis reveals that marital and parental status significantly influence the three core dimensions of burnout. Marriage and parenthood appear to serve as protective resources, reducing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, while simultaneously shaping different perceptions of personal accomplishment. Notably, the lower sense of accomplishment among married individuals suggests that competing with family and professional demands may constrain feelings of success, underscoring the dual role of family responsibilities as both supportive and demanding. These findings demonstrate that family-related factors are not merely demographic attributes but critical determinants of resilience and vulnerability in high-stress service industries such as hospitality. From a practical perspective, the results highlight the importance of family-supportive organizational policies, including flexible scheduling, parental leave, and wellness initiatives, to mitigate burnout and enhance employee well-being. Overall, this research advances understanding of how personal life circumstances intersect with professional burnout, offering insights that can guide organizational strategies, inform mental health interventions, and promote sustainable workforce practices aligned with global well-being and decent work agendas.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Work-Family Balance Challenges Perfectionism Procrastination Anxiety Studies Hospitality and Tourism Education

Publication details

Journal / source
The European Journal of Applied Economics
Publisher
Centre for Evaluation in Education and Science (CEON/CEES)
Volume
23
Issue
1
Pages
113–125
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN