burnout

Burnout is a psychological syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three core dimensions: emotional exhaustion, which refers to feeling drained by work; depersonalization or cynicism toward one's job; and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment or efficacy.

Causes are typically multifactorial, including excessive workload, time pressure, and insufficient control over work; inadequate rewards or recognition; breakdown of community at work; perceived unfairness; and value conflicts between the job and the worker’s beliefs. Individual factors such as sleep deprivation, poor coping skills, perfectionism, and prior mental health issues can increase vulnerability. Burnout arises when stress persists over time and remains unaddressed.

Common symptoms include physical and emotional exhaustion, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headaches; mood changes such as irritability, cynicism, or detachment from colleagues; reduced performance, concentration difficulties, and a sense of inefficacy.

Burnout is recognized by the World Health Organization as an occupational phenomenon in ICD-11, not a medical condition. It is most frequently reported in caring professions such as health care, teaching, and social services, but can occur in any occupation. It overlaps with depression, and clinicians assess differential diagnoses.

Management combines individual and organizational strategies. Individuals may benefit from boundary setting, adequate sleep, healthy lifestyle, stress management techniques, and seeking professional help when needed. Organizations can reduce risk by adjusting workloads, increasing control and autonomy, recognizing effort, fostering social support, and providing employee assistance programs.

Early recognition and intervention can prevent progression; prolonged burnout is associated with reduced job performance, increased turnover, and greater risk of mental health problems.