Article Author: Happiness Ifunanya Anusi, Bongani Innocent Dlamini

This phenomenological qualitative study explores the causes and consequences of burnout among real estate professionals in a Durban-based firm. Ten purposively selected participants in sales, rental, and managerial roles engaged in 45-60-minute semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, which identified four interrelated themes: (1) the burden of high client demands and emotional labour, (2) financial insecurity stemming from a commission-based system, (3) inadequate training and managerial support, and (4) blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Burnout was expressed through emotional distress, physical exhaustion, and reduced motivation and productivity. The findings integrate the Maslach and Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) frameworks within a commission-driven, service-intensive context, revealing how resource deficiencies exacerbate occupational stress. Managerial strategies, including equitable workload allocation, flexible scheduling, and supportive leadership, are critical to addressing these challenges. Contextually, the study highlights how South Africa’s volatile real estate market compounds burnout through income instability and client-driven pressures. It concludes that burnout is both an organisational and industry-specific issue necessitating systemic, preventative approaches. Targeted support, stress-management training, and empathetic leadership are essential to improving employee well-being, retention, and productivity, fostering a sustainable and healthy workplace.

Keywords: Occupational Burnout; Employee Well-Being; Real Estate Professionals; Job Demands–Resources (JD-R); South Africa

Article Review Status: Published

Pages: 31 - 46

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