Prevalence of work-related burnout and associated factors among police officers in the Silesian Voivodeship - the region with the highest urbanization rate and population density in Poland.

INTRODUCTION

Occupational burnout is one of the most frequently analyzed psychosocial phenomena in the contemporary professional environment, posing a significant challenge for both individuals and entire organizations. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the level of occupational burnout and selected psychosocial factors, sociodemographic characteristics, and working conditions among police officers in the Silesian Voivodeship.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 2025 on a sample of 363 officers from 24 organizational units. An original survey questionnaire and the standardized Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ) were utilized. Data analysis included non-parametric tests, Welch's t-test, and a multiple linear regression model.

RESULTS

High levels of psychophysical exhaustion were found in 39.9% of the participants, and disillusionment with work in 49.6%. Pleasure derived from work emerged as the strongest protective predictor against exhaustion (B = -4.88; p < 0.001). Significant risk factors included poor workplace relationships (B = 2.97; p < 0.001) and experiences of workplace mobbing (B = 1.34; p = 0.028). Lack of team support proved to be a powerful stressor (d = 0.71). It was also demonstrated that a recovery deficit (only 1 day off per week) strongly increases exhaustion levels (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational burnout among Silesian police officers is strongly determined by relational and organizational factors. Systemic prevention should focus on improving organizational culture, eliminating mobbing, and ensuring adequate time for psychophysical regeneration.