A study on the effects of task diversity and skill diversity on burnout and turnover intention: Blue-collar workers in the forest products and furniture industries in Türkiye

Abstract

Purpose  The present study aims to determine the effects of task diversity and skill diversity on burnout and turnover intention.

Theoretical framework  This section describes task diversity, skill diversity, burnout, and turnover intention, and presents the relationships between these variables and the research hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach  Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 200 blue-collar workers in various businesses in the forest products and furniture industries in Türkiye. The data were gathered using the Task Diversity Scale introduced by Nimon and Zigarmi (2015), the Skill Diversity Scale introduced by Eyi (2010), the Burnout Scale introduced by Kristensen et al. (2005), and the Turnover Intention Scale developed by Mobley et al. (1978).

Findings  The present study revealed negative and significant relationships between task diversity and burnout, as well as turnover intention (r = -0.288; r = -0.216, respectively). Additionally, negative and significant relationships were found between skill diversity and burnout, as well as turnover intention (r = -0.348; r = -0.167, respectively).

Practical & social implications of research  – The results emphasize the importance of task and skill diversity in organizations in reducing employee burnout and turnover intention.

Originality/value  The research was conducted in Turkish forest products and furniture sectors. By examining the possible protective effects of task and skill diversity in this sectoral context, it provides important insights into how diversity can be used to reduce employee burnout and turnover intention. In this respect, the study aims to both fill a gap in the literature and provide practical implications for managers in the relevant sectors.

Keywords:
Task diversity; skill diversity; burnout; turnover intention