Exploring the Moderating Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on the Association Between Work Stress and Burnout

Abstract

Background:

This study aims to explore the moderating role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the association between work stress and burnout. Burnout is a persistent occupational health problem; however, individual-level strategies associated with its lower prevalence remain limited. This study addresses whether CRF functions as a resource that interacts with work stress in relation to burnout levels.

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional design, questionnaire data were collected from workers in glass manufacturing, including demographics, job-related characteristics, work stress (including psychological job demands, job control, and workplace social support), and burnout. Anthropometric measurements and the step test were also conducted. Hierarchical multiple linear regression with mean-centered interaction terms was used to test moderation.

Findings:

A total of 377 full-time workers voluntarily participated in the study. The results indicate that over two-thirds of participants exhibited poor or very poor CRF. Although CRF was not directly associated with burnout, it moderated the relationship between job control and burnout (β = .11, p < .05). Specifically, job control was not significantly associated with burnout at higher levels of CRF, whereas the association remained significant at lower levels of CRF. Additionally, CRF did not moderate the relationship between psychological job demands or workplace social support and burnout.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight improving CRF as a factor that may relate to a reduced association between low job control and burnout among employees.

Application to Practice:

Promoting CRF through workplace wellness initiatives may enhance employee resilience, particularly in environments where organizational changes to increase job control are challenging.