UNDERSTANDING BURNOUT IN SOUTH AFRICAN REAL ESTATE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF CAUSES AND IMPACTS ON EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING

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 ( ... continue reading->

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