The World Health Organization has included job burnout in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases as an occupational phenomenon.

Burnout

Burnout is a psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment. The loss of meaning in one’s work, coupled with mental, emotional, or physical exhaustion as the result of long-term, unresolved stress can lead to feeling “burnt-out” in the workplace.

Research has shown that burnout is related to reduced performance in the workplace and can often lead to several forms of withdrawal, such as absenteeism and intention to leave the job. It has also been argued that burnout is not only associated with difficulties related to the working environment but also other factors like learned helplessness, learning theory, environmental and or/ personality factors.

History

Burnout descriptions can be found in the historical record and appear to be apparent across different times and cultures dating back to reports in Shakespeare’s writings. However, it was not until the mid-1970’s that researchers, Herbert Freudenberger, a psychiatrist, and Christina Maslach, a social psychologist began investigating burnout feelings. 

 

Freudenberger’s Basic Elements of Job Burnout 

• Experiences as to fail
• Wear out
• Onset exhaustion from excessive demands on energy, strength, or resources
• Prolonged interpersonal stressors at work

 

General Symptoms of Burnout May Include:

• Lower resistance to illness
• A pessimistic outlook on work or life
• Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion
• Time away from work
• Demotivation and detachment from your work
• Depleted energy
• Detachment in personal relationships
• Lower Productivity
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Sources:

Breyer, M. (2019, May 30). [Burnout in the Workplace]. Retrieved December 1, 2020, from https://www.treehugger.com/who-officially-recognizes-burnout-symptoms-solutions-4858136

Koutsimani, P., Montgomery, A., & Georgina, K. (2019, March 13). The Relationship Between Burnout, Depression, and Anxiety: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Retrieved December 1, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6424886/

World Health Organization (Ed.). (2019, May 28). Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. Retrieved December 1, 2020, from https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases