Volume 85, Issue 1 pp. 144-164
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Trauma-informed organizational climate and its impact on first responder burnout during COVID-19

Andrea M. Headley

Corresponding Author

Andrea M. Headley

McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA

Correspondence

Andrea M. Headley, Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy, Washington, DC, USA.

Email: [email protected]

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Kaila Witkowski

Kaila Witkowski

School of Public Administration, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA

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Christa Remington

Christa Remington

School of Public Affairs, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA

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N. Emel Ganapati

N. Emel Ganapati

Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA

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Santina L. Contreras

Santina L. Contreras

Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

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First published: 18 October 2023
Citations: 6

Abstract

First responders experience work-related challenges in higher magnitudes than other occupations. Organizational elements may mitigate or exacerbate burnout for first responders during public health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19). This mixed methods study of first responders in the United States aims to (1) assess the relationship between a trauma-informed organizational climate (TIC) and burnout; (2) analyze the moderating effect of TIC on role strain and burnout; and (3) identify how a TIC can mitigate contributors to burnout. Survey data (n = 3,517) of first responders demonstrate that a TIC (of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment) negatively correlates with burnout. Further, a TIC moderates the positive relationship between role strain and burnout. Interviews of first responders (n = 91) reveal that fewer employee interactions, lack of rule-following behaviors, impaired communication, staffing shortages, and limited time off contribute to burnout. Open communication, resource provision, collaboration opportunities, and creative problem-solving enhance work climate.

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