Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi, Manajemen dan Bisnis (EKMABIS)
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): May 2026

Workload Dynamics and Employee Adaptation Strategies in Coping with Burnout in Three-Star Hotels in Surabaya: A Qualitative Study

Zainul Arifin (Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya)
Abdul Halik (Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya)
Siti Mujanah (Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 May 2026

Abstract

This study addresses the limited attention given to workload dynamics and burnout adaptation strategies among employees of three-star hotels in Surabaya, particularly within a business-city context. The originality of this research lies in its focus on “organic adaptation strategies” that emerge naturally from employees’ social interactions rather than formal organizational systems. The objective of this study is to explore the dynamics of employee workload and identify the adaptation strategies used to mitigate burnout. A qualitative descriptive approach with a case study design was employed, using in-depth semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. Informants were selected through purposive sampling from operational departments. The findings reveal that workload is fluctuative yet consistently high, driven by multitasking demands, limited human resources, and high service expectations. These conditions trigger burnout manifested in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Employees respond through individual coping (e.g., prioritization and withdrawal) and social coping (e.g., teamwork and humor), with social strategies proving more effective in sustaining resilience. The study implies that hotel management should integrate psychological well-being into operational policies and formalize informal adaptive practices to create a more sustainable and human-centered work environment.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ekmabis

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi, Manajemen dan Bisnis (EKMABIS) an electronic international journal, provides a forum for publishing the original research articles, review articles from contributors, and the novel technology news related to management, accounting and economic. Published twice every January ...