Citation

Demerouti E, Veldhuis W, Coombes C, Hunter R. Ergonomics 2019; 62(2): 233-245.

Affiliation

British Airline Pilots' Association , BALPA House , 5 Heathrow Boulevard, 278 Bath Road, West Drayton , UB7 0DQ, 4077 , UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00140139.2018.1464667

PMID

29648499

Abstract

In this study among airline pilots, we aim to uncover the work characteristics (job demands and resources) and the outcomes (job crafting, happiness and simulator training performance) that are related to burnout for this occupational group. Using a large sample of airline pilots, we showed that 40% of the participating pilots experience high burnout. In line with Job Demands-Resources theory, job demands were detrimental for simulator training performance because they made pilots more exhausted and less able to craft their job, whereas job resources had a favourable effect because they reduced feelings of disengagement and increased job crafting. Moreover, burnout was negatively related to pilots' happiness with life. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial factors and health for valuable outcomes for both pilots and airlines. Practitioner Summary: Using an online survey among the members of a European pilots' professional association, we examined the relationship between psychosocial factors (work characteristics, burnout) and outcomes (simulator training performance, happiness). Forty percent of the participating pilots experience high burnout. Job demands were detrimental, whereas job resources were favorable for simulator training performance/happiness. Twitter text: 40% of airline pilots experience burnout and psychosocial work factors and burnout relate to scores on pilots' simulator training.

Language: en

Keywords

Burnout; Happiness; Job Crafting; Job Demands-Resources Theory; Simulator Training Performance