Burnout

What is burnout?

The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon (not a medical condition) resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It manifests in three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from or cynicism about one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.

What are the signs of burnout?

Key indicators include:

• Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
• Emotional detachment or cynicism toward work and colleagues
• Reduced productivity despite long working hours
• Increased errors and difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawal from team activities and social interaction
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or frequent illness

What causes burnout in the workplace?

Research identifies six primary drivers:

• Unmanageable workload
• Lack of control over work decisions
• Insufficient recognition or reward
• Breakdown of community or toxic team dynamics
• Perceived unfairness in the workplace
• Values mismatch between the employee and the organization

How can HR and managers address burnout?

Effective organizational responses include:

• Conducting workload audits and reprioritizing tasks
• Training managers to recognize early signs of burnout
• Implementing 'right to disconnect' policies
• Offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for mental health support
• Creating psychological safety for employees to ask for help
• Building recovery time into project timelines