Burnout and Compassion Fatigue among Social Sector Employees in Maharashtra, India
Social sector work in India is deeply meaningful, yet emotionally demanding and often ignored from the perspective of worker well-being. This paper explores burnout and compassion fatigue among social sector employees in Maharashtra, India, drawing on an empirical study conducted during 2024-25. Using a cross-sectional survey of 40 professionals working in non-governmental organisations, community health programmes, and welfare services, the study examines the extent to which sustained emotional labour affects worker well-being. Through this study we highlight the need for organisational support systems, skills-based training, and policy attention to employee well-being to ensure long-term sustainability of social welfare work. Through this study we also suggest structural challenges within the social sector, as well as, the need for institutional support.
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