Research Paper

The Impact of Marital and Parental Status on Burnout and Well-Being Among Hospitality Employees

PL

Pero Labus

pero.labus@mbs.edu.rs

BO

Bojana Ostojić

JL

Jelena Lukić Nikolić

Journal Information

Journal

The European Journal of Applied Economics

Volume / Issue

Vol. 23, No. 1 (2026)

Pages

113–125

Published

02 February 2026

DOI

10.5937/EJAE23-62934

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between marital and parental status and professional burnout among hospitality employees, utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Drawing on statistical evidence from a field study of 1234 participants, the analysis reveals that marital and parental status significantly influence the three core dimensions of burnout. Marriage and parenthood appear to serve as protective resources, reducing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, while simultaneously shaping different perceptions of personal accomplishment. Notably, the lower sense of accomplishment among married individuals suggests that competing with family and professional demands may constrain feelings of success, underscoring the dual role of family responsibilities as both supportive and demanding. These findings demonstrate that family-related factors are not merely demographic attributes but critical determinants of resilience and vulnerability in high-stress service industries such as hospitality. From a practical perspective, the results highlight the importance of family-supportive organizational policies, including flexible scheduling, parental leave, and wellness initiatives, to mitigate burnout and enhance employee well-being. Overall, this research advances understanding of how personal life circumstances intersect with professional burnout, offering insights that can guide organizational strategies, inform mental health interventions, and promote sustainable workforce practices aligned with global well-being and decent work agendas.

Keywords

burnoutwell-beingmarital statusparental statusemployee retentionhospitality

Citation

Pero Labus, Bojana Ostojić, Jelena Lukić Nikolić (2026). The Impact of Marital and Parental Status on Burnout and Well-Being Among Hospitality Employees The European Journal of Applied Economics. 23(1) 113–125. DOI: 10.5937/EJAE23-62934