Work engagement counterbalances work-related stress reactions. The relatively high workload in ICUs, coupled with an especially heavy emotional burden, may be acknowledged as an integral part of ICU work.

This workload does not affect the level of work engagement, which was high for both intensivists and nurses despite the known high job demands. Specific factors that contribute to a healthy and successful work life among ICU professionals need further exploration. The overall response rate was 61% (n = 193).

Work engagement was negatively related both to cognitive demands among intensivists and to emotional demands among ICU nurses. This was a cross-sectional survey study among ICU professionals in a single-centre university hospital.

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