The Relationship Between Burnout and Turnover Intention Among Early-Career Employees in Malaysia: The Role of the Supervisor

As organisations strive to navigate the complexities of the modern work environment, addressing well-being concerns has become imperative for fostering healthier and more productive workplaces. Burnout, which is a manifestation of compromised well-being, has emerged as one of the most pressing global issues confronting individuals across different industries and professions. Addressing this issue has become imperative to ensure the retention and performance of employees in organisations. Building upon the Conservation of Resources theory, this study aimed to examine the relationship between burnout and turnover intention, as well as the moderating role of supervisory support, within the context of early-career employees in Malaysia. It employed a two-wave questionnaire survey on a sample of 155 individuals; the first wave investigated employees’ state of burnout, while the second assessed their perceived supervisory support and turnover intention. The data were analysed through structural equation modelling using Amos 26.0 software. The results show a significant positive relationship between burnout and turnover intention. Furthermore, supervisory support is a significant moderator in this relationship: early-career employees who experience burnout are less likely to exhibit turnover intention if they perceive strong supervisor support. These insights furnish valuable guidance for organisational strategies aimed at cultivating a supportive environment, thereby fostering the well-being and retention of early-career employees in Malaysia.