Burnout diagnosis: An occupational hazard for employers and employees

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• June 6, 2022

Insight summary

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s refined definition of burnout as a mismanagement of chronic workplace stress, rather than just a stress syndrome, is facilitating a more nuanced understanding and approach to mental health in the workplace. This shift is encouraging corporations and educational institutions to proactively address stressors and foster environments that prioritize mental well-being. Governments may also recognize the need to nurture mental resilience in communities, steering policies towards regular mental health check-ups, and encouraging urban planning that considers the mental well-being of inhabitants.

Burnout diagnosis context

The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its clinical definition of burnout. Before 2019, burnout was considered a stress syndrome, whereas the WHO’s update specifies it as mismanagement of chronic workplace stress. 

According to the American Institute of Stress, in 2021, almost 50 percent of workers could manage work-related stress. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health underlined this statistic by revealing that most people associate their health issues with job stress rather than financial or family challenges. The updated definition of burnout by the WHO in 2019, in its 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), is significant because it mentions the role of workplace stress as the primary cause. 

The WHO defines three main diagnostic criteria in relation to burnout: severe exhaustion, lower workplace productivity, and a worker being dissatisfied with their career. Clear definitions can help psychiatrists diagnose clinical burnout and remove the stigma associated with the diagnosis. It can also help psychiatrists and psychologists address underlying causes such as a fear of failure or being perceived as weak. In addition, burnout can lead to mental disorders like depression and anxiety, impacting productivity and professional and personal relationships. Due to overlapping symptoms, a diagnosis of burnout includes ruling out common issues like anxiety, adjustment disorders, and other mood disorders. 

Disruptive impact

WHO has been actively involved in gathering data since 2020 to create detailed guidelines for managing clinical burnout, a step that is anticipated to aid healthcare professionals in formulating treatment plans tailored to individual patients for better control of symptoms. This development is expected to foster a deeper understanding of the disorder's prevalence and impact as more cases come to light. For individuals grappling with burnout, this means access to more targeted and effective healthcare solutions, potentially leading to improved mental well-being over time. Moreover, it paves the way for a society where mental health is given paramount importance, encouraging people to seek help without stigma.

In the corporate landscape, the redefined parameters of burnout are seen as a tool that Human Resources can utilize to revamp employee management policies, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary care, support, and benefits, including appropriate time off if diagnosed with burnout. Furthermore, educational institutions, including schools and colleges, are expected to reassess and modify elements that induce stress, broadening the spectrum of treatment options available to both students and faculty members. This proactive approach may lead to a learning environment that is more conducive to mental well-being.

Governments play a pivotal role in steering society towards a future where burnout is managed effectively. An updated burnout management policy is likely to spur a trend where companies voluntarily adopt measures to prevent employees from reaching a state of burnout, promoting a healthier work culture. This trend may also trickle down to educational settings, encouraging them to offer increased treatment options and create environments that are less stressful, fostering a generation that is both productive and mentally resilient. 

Implications of burnout diagnosis

Wider implications of burnout becoming recognized as a serious threat to the health of persons may include:

• A surge in the number of workplaces altering their core hour policies to ensure employees can finish their tasks within office hours.
• The destigmatization of the term "burnout" as workplaces become more accommodating to employees experiencing this condition.
• The modification of training modules for mental health personnel, psychologists, and counselors to equip them with the necessary skills to aid patients effectively, potentially leading to a healthcare system that is more adept at handling a range of mental health issues.
• A shift in business models to incorporate mental wellness as a core aspect, with companies investing more in employee mental health support.
• Governments introducing policies that encourage regular mental health check-ups, similar to physical health check-ups, fostering a society that views mental and physical health as equally important.
• A potential increase in the number of startups and apps focusing on mental wellness, offering services such as virtual counseling and stress management workshops.
• Schools and colleges revisiting their curricula to integrate subjects that focus on mental well-being, nurturing a generation that is more aware and equipped to handle mental health challenges.
• A potential shift in urban planning to include more green spaces and recreational areas, as governments and communities recognize the role of environment in mental health.
• A potential change in insurance policies to cover mental health treatments more comprehensively, encouraging individuals to seek help without worrying about financial constraints.

Questions to consider

• Do you think cases of clinical burnout will increase between 2022 and 2032? Why or why not? 
• Do you believe more people using remote work systems in their jobs contributes to increased workplace burnout?