Burnout explained
The World Health Organization lists burnout in its ICD-11 classification as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition, and says the term applies only to work.
It builds slowly. Rest helps, but lasting recovery usually needs changes to workload, control and support at work. If you are struggling, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.
Try it today
- Track your energy, not just your hours, for two weeks.
- Name the parts of your work you can change and the ones you cannot.
- Protect recovery time as seriously as meetings.
Where it comes from
Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger's 1974 article "Staff Burnout" is credited with starting its formal study. The WHO added burnout to ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon in 2019.
Frequently asked questions
- What is burnout?
- Burnout is a work-related syndrome caused by chronic workplace stress that has not been managed, marked by exhaustion, mental distance or cynicism about your job, and reduced effectiveness.
- Where does burnout come from?
- Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger's 1974 article "Staff Burnout" is credited with starting its formal study. The WHO added burnout to ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon in 2019.
- How do I start with burnout?
- Track your energy, not just your hours, for two weeks. Name the parts of your work you can change and the ones you cannot. Protect recovery time as seriously as meetings.
- Which tools help with burnout?
- Tools in our directory that help include Daylio, Moments App (by Momentum), Orb, Reclaim.ai. Each has its own page with pricing, pros and cons.