Person-environment fit, burnout and work engagement The role of person-environment fit in femininity and masculinity

Background In a previous study on the role of the person-environment (P-E) fit in femininity and masculinity the effects of P-E fit in femininity on burnout and work engagement and effects of P-E fit in masculinity on hair cortisol as a biological stress marker among women could already be shown. Objective The effects of P-E fit in femininity and masculinity on burnout and work engagement as well as possible group effects of gender and managerial position were examined. The sample consisted of 950 employed individuals: 397 women and 551 men aged 19-70 years (M = 29.86 years, SD = 7.71 years) including 300 managers. Methods The data in the cross-sectional study were collected in an online survey. Individual femininity and masculinity as well as that of the work environment were assessed using the gender identity scale (GTS+). Based on this, predictors P-E fit in femininity and P-E fit in masculinity were calculated. The outcomes burnout and work engagement were measured with the DearEmployee survey. In hierarchical linear regression models, after considering control variables and work factors, the added variance explanation ( increment R-2) by predictors and interaction terms with moderators (gender and leadership position) was observed. Results The P-E fit in masculinity showed a significant effect on burnout, stronger for people without management responsibility, while gender showed no moderation effects. The P-E fit in femininity showed a variance explanation for burnout and work commitment (without group effects). Conclusion The P-E fit in masculinity could be a significant predictor of burnout for employees without managerial responsibility. The P-E fit in femininity could be an important predictor for burnout and work engagement.