How Workplace Friendships Impact Burnout among Social Care Leaders: A Job Demands-Resources Framework Analysis

Abstract Background and purpose The purpose of this study, guided by the Job Demands-Resources Model, is to investigate the role of workplace friendships in mitigating burnout. This research is notable for its unique focus on a relatively rare sample: social care leaders. These individuals play a crucial role in shaping and influencing social services, making their insights invaluable for understanding the challenges and opportunities within this sector. Methods Using a cross-sectional and quantitative design, data were collected from a convenience sample of Hungarian social care leaders, including sociodemographic information, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II), and professional core discussion network (pCDN) questions. The analysis of 449 Hungarian social care leaders employs a saturated model of moderated mediation (controlling for age and gender) to examine how stress mediates the relationship between quantitative demands and burnout and how workplace friendships moderate this mediation effect. Results The results indicate that stress significantly mediates the relationship between quantitative demands and burnout, with workplace friendships acting as a buffer under moderate stress levels. Having at least one workplace friend reduces the impact of stress on burnout; however, this protective effect diminishes under higher stress intensities. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of fostering quality and balanced workplace friendships rather than merely increasing the number of supportive relationships. Given the systemic challenges in Hungarian social care, these insights are particularly relevant for leaders seeking to improve workforce resilience and well-being.