Workplace Burnout: What is Burnout?
What is Burnout?
In 1974, psychologist Herbert Freudenberger published the article “Staff Burnout,” which initiated research into unmanaged workplace stress and the end result coined as “burnout.”
Interestingly, healthcare professionals lacked guidance on “burnout” diagnosis since clear guidelines and definitions were lacking.
Recently in May 2019, “burnout” became officially recognized by the World Health Organization. Burnout is what happens to employees when exposed to chronic, unmanaged stress related to their jobs. It is defined as an occupational phenomenon by the international classification of diseases. It’s a problem related to employment or underemployment. (WHO, ICD 11 2019)
What are the symptoms of burnout?
Symptoms can be psychological and physiological. Are you feeling cynical or critical at work? Irritable or impatient with co-workers? Experienced loss of interest and difficulty concentrating at work? These are all psychological symptoms of burnout. Physical symptoms may include disturbed sleep patterns, headaches, and weight fluctuations due to changes in appetite. Other concerning consequences may be a dependency on food, drugs, or alcohol as coping mechanisms (The Mayo clinic, 2020).
If you think you are experiencing burnout, it is recommended you seek professional healthcare advice. The signs of burnout can be similar to other mental health conditions, so it is important to speak with your health care provider to ensure a correct diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment.
The International Classification of Diseases characterizes burnout with the following three dimensions:
feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
increased mental distance from one’s job
feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job
reduced professional efficacy
4 signs of burnout, according to the Official Journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) (2016), include:
Alienation from work-related activities: Individuals experiencing burn-out view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may grow cynical about their working conditions and the people they work with. They may also emotionally distance themselves and begin to feel numb about their work.
Physical symptoms: Chronic stress may lead to physical symptoms, like headaches, stomach-aches, or intestinal issues.
Emotional exhaustion: Burnout causes people to feel drained, unable to cope, and tired. They often lack the energy to get their work done.
Reduced performance: Burnout mainly affects everyday tasks at work—or in the home when someone’s main job involves caring for family members. Individuals with burnout feel pessimistic about tasks. They have difficulty concentrating and often lack creativity.
