The Plethora of Working Self Out: Relationship Between Workload and Emotional Exhaustion among High School Teachers in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Less emotional exhaustion among teachers is critical in ensuring that they perform optimally in their various workloads. However, few studies have explored how teacher workload can contribute to emotional exhaustion. The current study examined how various workload categories relate to emotional exhaustion among teachers in public high schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The research adopted a descriptive survey design using a random sample of 367 participants drawn from 4447 teachers working in public high schools in Kiambu County at the time. The quantitative data were collected using a workload questionnaire for assessing workload and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale (MBI-S) for burnout. The qualitative data were gathered using a structured interview guide and focus group discussions. The study used Job Demand-Resource and Multidimensional theories to explain the relationship. The results indicate a relationship between workload and emotional exhaustion among teachers in public high schools.