More than a simple pastime? The potential of physical activity to moderate the relationship between occupational stress and burnout symptoms

Researchers have emphasized the role of physical activity in accelerating recovery from stress. Therefore, the primary goal of the present study was to examine whether regular physical activity moderates the relationship between occupational stress and burnout symptoms in Swiss workers. 309 employees took part in the cross-sectional study. Occupational stress was operationalized with the job demands–control model and the effort–reward imbalance model. Physical activity was assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; burnout symptoms were measured with the Shirom–Melamed Burnout Measure. Higher occupational stress was positively associated with burnout symptoms, whereas higher physical activity levels were negatively associated with occupational stress and burnout symptoms. Participants with higher physical activity levels reported fewer burnout symptoms when they perceived high stress levels, independent of whether occupational stress was assessed via the job demands–control or effort–reward imbalance model. Although job constraints are seldom modifiable, we claim that regular leisure-time physical activity is more than a simple pastime and can make an important contribution to a thriving workforce that feels better able to cope with occupational stress.