Prevalence of and risk factors for burnout and occupational stress among couriers: A systematic review

Objective To estimate the prevalence of burnout and occupational stress (OS) among couriers and to identify the main risk factors. Method We followed PRISMA guidelines to search studies published in English and Chinese databases before February 2022. Results The search yielded 15 (7 English and 8 Chinese) papers, 12 of which studied Chinese couriers, and three studied French, Israeli and Malaysian couriers. Twelve studies reported OS using various validated measurement tools, and six reported burnout using adapted versions of Maslach Burnout Inventory. Only four included studies suggested cut-off points to define the condition, hence we used the midpoint of the scales to estimate the prevalence (the proportion of the cases that were above the midpoint). The estimated prevalence of burnout (or a dimension of burnout) among couriers ranged from 20% to 73% (median=33%). The prevalence of OS (or a dimension of OS) ranged from 7% to 90% (median=40%). Twelve studies reported risk factors for burnout or OS; the main ones were physical demands, customer behaviour and a range of working and employment conditions, such as employment precarity and financial insecurity. Job resources (i.e. social support and decision latitude) and organizational support had mitigating effects. Conclusions Burnout and OS are relatively high among couriers. Interventions to prevent or reduce burnout in this occupation are currently limited. The use of platform technology to shift risks, intensify work and tighten managerial controls could be a potential work-related stressor for app-based couriers but remains a knowledge gap.