What is burnout?
Burnout describes a state of physical and emotional depletion caused by prolonged workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger used the term in the 1970s, and Christina Maslach systematized the research by developing a measurement tool.
- Definition
- Syndrome from unmanaged chronic workplace stress (WHO)
- Classification
- ICD-11 QD85, an "occupational phenomenon," not a disease
- Three dimensions
- Exhaustion, cynicism (depersonalization), reduced efficacy
- Main measure
- Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)
The WHO’s three characteristics
Burnout is not the same as simply being tired. In ICD-11 (2019), the WHO defines burnout by (1) feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, (2) increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to it, and (3) reduced professional efficacy, and it applies the term only to the occupational context.
| Dimension | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Exhaustion | Dreading Monday on Sunday night; weekends don’t restore you. |
| Cynicism and distance | Clients and coworkers feel like burdens; work feels meaningless. |
| Reduced efficacy | "I’m bad at my job," "Nothing I do makes a difference." |
Six workplace drivers
Maslach and colleagues (2001) argued burnout stems less from personal weakness than from a mismatch between people and their jobs.
- Workload that is chronically excessive
- Lack of control over how and when work gets done
- Insufficient reward: pay, recognition or growth
- Breakdown of community: conflict, isolation or bullying
- Absence of fairness in evaluation or promotion
- Value conflicts between the job and personal values
In jobs that require constantly managing emotions in front of customers, emotional labor is a major contributor.
Burnout vs. depression
| Aspect | Burnout | Depression |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Mostly work-related | Affects nearly all areas of life |
| Diagnosis | Not a medical diagnosis | A clinical mental health diagnosis |
| After vacation | Often improves somewhat | Rest alone rarely resolves it |
Prolonged burnout can lead to depression, anxiety or sleep problems. If low mood and loss of interest in most things last two weeks or more, consider talking to a professional.
Steps toward recovery
- Set boundaries. Turn off work notifications after hours.
- Find what you can control. Renegotiate priorities and deadlines with your manager.
- Rebuild reserves. Sleep, exercise and hobbies unrelated to work help; mindfulness programs are also used for stress reduction.
- Change the organization. Workload adjustments, fair evaluation and supportive managers often matter more than individual effort.
- Get help. Many US employers offer confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
In the US, if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Frequently asked questions
- What is burnout?
- A syndrome caused by chronic, unmanaged workplace stress, marked by exhaustion, cynicism toward work and reduced professional efficacy.
- Is burnout a medical diagnosis?
- No. The WHO lists burnout in ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition, though it can lead to conditions such as depression.
- How is burnout different from depression?
- Burnout is largely limited to work, while depression affects most areas of life and usually does not resolve with rest alone.
References
- Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981). The measurement of experienced burnout. Journal of Occupational Behaviour, 2(2), 99–113.
- Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 397–422.
- World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11, QD85).