Unpacking fatigue: How burnout and engagement influence commitment and overtime among South African workers

Orientation: Workplace fatigue has harmed the working environment, with workers becoming increasingly exhausted, disgruntled and detached from their work and co-workers. Curbing workplace fatigue is important to increase job performance, commitment, satisfaction and safety in the work environment.Research purpose: The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of fatigue on the relationship between overtime, burnout, commitment and engagement among South African blue-collar workers. The study also aims to understand the mediating role burnout and engagement play in the relationship model.Motivation of the study: The motivation behind this study was to understand the role fatigue plays in the working life of blue-collar workers.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study explored the relationship between overtime, burnout, engagement and commitment among blue-collar workers in South Africa. Data from 381 participants were gathered using purposive sampling.Main findings: The study found negative links between burnout, work engagement, and fatigue, showing that burnout or low engagement increases fatigue. Burnout and fatigue both reduce work commitment, weakening dedication to work.Practical/managerial implications: Reducing fatigue in blue-collar workers may lower burnout and increase commitment, engagement, and overtime willingness. Addressing burnout and promoting engagement is key to minimising fatigue’s negative impact on organisational outcomes.Contribution/value-add: The study contributed to deeper insight into the effect fatigue and burnout have on the blue-collar sample’s work commitment, work engagement and willingness to work overtime.