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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