A Study on the Filipino Concept of Burnout

Abstract

All people of every age and status are prone to experience a phenomenon that not only exhausts the physical, mental and emotional energy but also cripples the spirit. This concept called Burnout affects every aspect of the person and has very damaging effects. The Filipino work organization is not safe from this destructive condition. The extent to which Filipinos are familiar with the concept is yet to be explored. To answer the question of whether or not Filipinos working in government office have a concept of burnout is the main intent of this study. It also aims to come up with a set of characteristics of what Filipinos working in the public sector consider as burnout and if they are aware that they are burned out when they experience the phenomenon. A checklist was administered to Customs Examiners and Supervisors employed by the Bureau of Customs assigned to the Arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Results were clustered and analyzed according to age, years in service and gender. Data gathered yield that females experience burnout earlier into their careers and for longer periods. Males recognize burnout symptoms better experience burnout for lesser number of years. The study concludes that Filipinos working in the public sector do have a concept of burnout that is characterized by emotional, physical and mental fatigue. Filipinos working in government offices are generally aware that they are burned out when they experience it.