Abstract:
Burnout is a result of the vulnerability of workers in developing nations to occupational
stressors in their specific institutions. Emotional exhaustion is a common side effect of
workplace stress that inhibits employees from fully enjoying their work. As a result, the quality
of information services has decreased, particularly in libraries at higher education institutions
in Kenya's coastal region. This study aimed to determine the relationship between occupational
burnout and employee engagement at selected university libraries in the Coast Region in
Kenya. The research utilized a survey research design. The researcher collected data from 54
library staff from 4 Universities. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used to
obtain both qualitative and quantitative data. Thematic analysis was utilized with qualitative
data, whilst regression analysis and descriptive statistics were used with quantitative data. The
study findings indicated that occupational burnout had a negative and significant effect on
employee engagement. The study concluded that occupational burnout contributes
significantly to negative employee engagement. Particular focus should be on emotional
exhaustion, detachment, depersonalization, depression, anxiety, and dissociative tendencies.
Helping employees deal with these occupational burnout aspects will enhance their
engagement at work.
