Decent work and burnout: the moderating role of career calling

Burnout is a critical issue in occupational mental health, and decent work is recognised as a key factor in promoting employee well-being. Drawing on the Psychology of Working Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, this study examined whether Career Calling, as a personal resource, moderates the relationship between Decent Work and Burnout among Portuguese workers. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 173 participants, and data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro. Results indicated a significant negative relationship between Decent Work and Burnout, with Career Calling moderating this association: its protective effect was stronger when decent work conditions were adequate. These findings highlight the importance of prioritising decent work as the primary strategy to prevent burnout, while supporting the development of Career Calling as a complementary resource to enhance resilience, engagement, and meaning in work.