Investigating work conditions and burnout at three hierarchical levels.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the differences and the association between work conditions and symptoms of burnout at the three hierarchical levels: subordinates, first-line managers, and middle managers. METHODS Analyses were based on questionnaire data from 4096 employees in nine organizations, containing three hierarchical levels: subordinates (n = 3659), first-line managers (n = 345), and middle managers (n = 92). RESULTS Work conditions were found to differ between the three hierarchical levels, mostly between subordinates and managers. Managers experienced fewer symptoms of burnout than subordinates. Furthermore, the association between work conditions and burnout differed for subordinates, first-line managers, and middle managers. CONCLUSIONS Occupational health research needs to focus more on differences between hierarchical levels regarding work conditions and burnout.