Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

John J. Elshaw, PhD

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships between job demands, job resources, burnout, turnover intention, and workplace attitudes among employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the lens of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. The findings reveal both expected and novel insights. Consistent with prior research, the study confirms that excessive job demands, without enough resources to balance then, lead to burnout. This, in turn, increases turnover intention and negatively affects how employees view leadership and the work environment. A significant discovery, however, challenges conventional assumptions: favorable job demands were positively correlated with turnover intention, suggesting that employees in favorable roles may feel empowered to seek external opportunities, presenting a nuanced challenge. The findings underscore the importance of addressing workforce stability within the VHA as a model for improving organizational outcomes in similar institutions. Job resources such as leadership support and professional development were shown to buffer burnout and positively influence workplace attitudes, reinforcing the motivational pathway of the JD-R model. The study highlights the critical role of retaining experienced personnel in fostering institutional knowledge, operational efficiency, and organizational trust. These insights extend beyond the VHA, providing lessons for the Department of Defense (DoD), where similar workforce challenges impact mission readiness. By aligning resources to mitigate demands, the VHA and DoD can improve employee well-being, enhance retention, and influence recruitment through better post-service outcomes for veterans.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-055

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this thesis.

This work is marked Distribution A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number 88ABW-2025-0354

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