Personality is predictive of burnout but not of work engagement: A one-year prospective cohort study

Abstract

This prospective cohort study aimed to longitudinally verify correlations between dimensions of the five-factor model of personality with work engagement and burnout. In the study, an online survey was conducted twice, with a one-year interval, targeting regular employees at a Japanese company (baseline survey: November–December 2022, follow-up survey: November–December 2023). Data from 500 individuals (299 men, 201 women) who responded to both surveys were used for analysis. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used. Baseline scores and demographic variables were adjusted. Personality did not significantly correlate with work engagement. However, among job resources, significant correlations were observed for extrinsic rewards ( β  = 0.15) and coworker support ( β  = 0.12). Meanwhile, significant correlations were noted for burnout with degree of job demands ( β  = 0.10), neuroticism ( β  = 0.08), and conscientiousness ( β  = −0.08). When implementing organizational measures focusing on worker personality, those for preventing burnout are more effective compared with those promoting work engagement.