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Burnout among healthcare workers is a growing public health concern, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare settings. Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced professional accomplishment, burnout negatively affects employee wellbeing, quality of care, and organisational performance. The study assessed the prevalence of burnout and its relationship with psychological wellbeing and organisational performance among healthcare workers at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 298 healthcare workers across clinical and non-clinical departments at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing burnout levels, psychological wellbeing, job satisfaction, work engagement, and perceptions of organisational performance. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and key variables, while inferential analyses examined associations between burnout, mental wellbeing, and organisational outcomes. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported symptoms consistent with moderate to high burnout. The most frequently cited contributors were excessive workload, inadequate staffing, prolonged working hours, and emotional strain associated with patient care. Healthcare workers experiencing higher burnout levels reported lower job satisfaction, reduced motivation, and decreased work engagement. Conversely, employees with better psychological wellbeing demonstrated greater commitment to organisational goals, higher productivity, and stronger perceptions of workplace effectiveness. Organisational support, including supportive supervision, opportunities for professional development, and access to psychosocial support services, was significantly associated with lower burnout levels and improved wellbeing outcomes. Burnout is a significant challenge affecting the mental health and performance of healthcare workers at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital. Addressing workplace stressors and strengthening employee mental health support systems may enhance staff wellbeing, improve job satisfaction, and promote organisational effectiveness. Healthcare institutions should prioritize burnout prevention and mental health promotion as integral components of workforce management and quality healthcare delivery.
Key words: workplace mental health, employee wellbeing.