Burnout may develop when workplace pressures continue without adequate recovery or influence over conditions. A person may feel exhausted, emotionally distant from work and less effective than before. The World Health Organization describes burnout as an occupational phenomenon, not as a separate medical disease. [1]
Someone may keep turning up every morning yet feel increasingly disconnected from work that once had meaning. However, similar symptoms can occur with depression, anxiety, poor sleep or physical illness. It is therefore important not to explain every problem simply as burnout. [2]
Support may involve changes to workload, more predictable conditions, better management support and temporary adjustments to duties. Personal coping strategies can help, but responsibility must not rest entirely on the exhausted employee. The workplace itself is part of the solution. [3]
References
- WHO. Burn-out an occupational phenomenon: ICD-11. 2019.
- Maslach C, Leiter MP. Understanding the burnout experience. World Psychiatry. 2016.
- HSE. Work-related stress: management standards and six areas of work design.
This information does not replace an individual medical assessment. Seek urgent assistance in an emergency.