"Burn-out" or occupational burnout syndrome

"Burn-out" or occupational burnout syndrome, according to the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), occurs as a result of chronic stress at work that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:

1. A feeling of exhaustion;
2. Mental distance from work, negative feelings toward work, and/or cynicism about work;
3. Reduced professional efficacy (WHO, 2019).

Although it is not considered a medical diagnosis, this condition can significantly affect psycho-physical health if not addressed adequately. Burnout syndrome can hinder productivity, lead to feelings of hopelessness, cynicism, and resentment. The effects of burnout, although the syndrome is associated with the professional environment, can be felt in other areas of life, such as family/social life. In the long term, occupational burnout can increase the risk of colds and viruses (WebMD Editorial Contributor, 2024).

What leads to occupational burnout?

There are various factors that can lead to burnout syndrome, but broadly, they can be divided into internal (personality level) and external (work environment level) factors. Internal factors can include:

• Idealistic expectations of oneself, a tendency toward perfectionism, and extremely high ambitions;
• A need for recognition from others;
• A desire to please others at the expense of one’s own needs;
• Overestimating one’s abilities;
• Overload and excessive dedication to work, or the perception that work is the only meaningful activity (Kaschka, Korczak & Broich, 2011).

External risk factors can include:

• High job demands;
• Poor communication between employer and employees, issues with management and cooperation, poor interpersonal relationships;
• Lack of employee autonomy in decision-making and lack of influence on organizational work;
• Mobbing;
• Contradictory instructions, unclear rules within the organization;
• Administrative, material, or staffing limitations;
• Pressure from superiors;
• Increased responsibility at work;
• Lack of career advancement opportunities;
• Lack of teamwork;
• Absence of social support (Kaschka, Korczak & Broich, 2011).

Phases of occupational burnout

The interaction of internal and external risk factors leads to constant conflicts, initially resulting in ambivalent feelings toward work, then creating mental and emotional fatigue, ultimately leading to psycho-physical exhaustion (Milenović & Živković, 2024). The development of burnout syndrome is gradual, and certain phases can be identified in the process:

1. Initial work enthusiasm: The person is fully dedicated to the job and strives to please colleagues, but this effort is not sufficiently recognized and/or valued, leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction.
2. Stagnation: In this phase, difficulties in interpersonal relationships arise, not only with colleagues but also with family and friends, causing emotional "vulnerability" and distrust, resulting in emotional withdrawal and isolation as a behavioral pattern, which in turn contributes to the perception of work as meaningless and worthless.
3. Apathy and loss of life interests: Initial enthusiasm, self-confidence, and the desire to prove oneself have turned into cynicism, indifference, and a loss of faith in one’s abilities. The person resolves this last phase either by seeking another job (positive outcome) or staying at the same workplace without any change (negative outcome), which can lead to severe damage to psycho-physical health and, in extreme cases, to a fatal outcome (Živković, Milenović & Obrenović, 2019, according to: Milenović & Živković, 2024).

Symptoms of occupational burnout

Occupational burnout can have various symptoms and is often confused with stress or may evolve into depression. Some of the signs include:

• Exhaustion: A feeling of chronic fatigue, lack of energy, and an inability to emotionally handle both professional and personal problems. These symptoms can also manifest as physical pain, stomach issues, and/or gastrointestinal problems.
• Withdrawal from activities/isolation from people: Feelings of cynicism and frustration toward work and colleagues. Emotional distancing and a sense of indifference toward the work environment may occur.
• Reduced productivity: This may appear at work, but also privately (e.g., when taking care of family members), due to a lack of energy for daily tasks. There may be difficulties concentrating, finishing duties, and a lack of creativity.
• Mental issues: Self-doubt, feelings of helplessness, personal failure, and defeat may arise as a result of burnout syndrome. Feelings of loneliness, loss of purpose, and high dissatisfaction with oneself may occur.
• Physical issues: A person facing occupational burnout may experience a lack of energy, more frequent colds, headaches, loss of appetite, body pain, or insomnia (WebMD Editorial Contributor, 2024).

Treatment of occupational burnout

• Talk to superiors/colleagues: If the work environment allows it, try to explain how you feel and reach an agreement on better organizing your work duties.
• Adequate sleep is vital for mental health: Lack of sleep due to job-related anxiety likely leads to burnout. Try to prioritize sleep.
• Try to make time for relaxing activities: Practices such as yoga, meditation, solving crossword puzzles, or going for a walk can help.
• Try to find support: Support from colleagues you trust, friends, and family is a strong protective factor. Their help can be crucial in dealing with challenges at work. Seeking a therapist is also a good way to find support and talk about your feelings (WebMD Editorial Contributor, 2024).

*This text is intended solely for informational purposes. In case of any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Kaschka, W. P., Korczak, D., & Broich, K. (2011). Burnout: A fashionable diagnosis. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 108(46), 781–787.

Milenović, M., Živković, S. (2024). Burnout syndrome, stress, and managerial illness. HSE, 6-10.

WebMD Editorial Contributor, 2024. Burnout: Symptoms and Signs. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/burnout-symptoms-signs. Accessed: October 9, 2024.

World Health Organization [WHO]. (2019). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases. Accessed: October 9, 2024.

Unsplash. (2023, October 23). A woman sitting in front of a laptop computer [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-sitting-in-front-of-a-laptop-computer-f2JMVDnarks