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20/07/2022

What is burnout and how can it be avoided in the workplace?

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) classifies ‘burnout’ as an occupational phenomenon – not a medical condition. In ICD-11, burnout is defined as:

“…a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by three dimensions:

  • Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
  • Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job.
  • Reduced professional efficacy.”

Avoiding burnout is crucial for the productivity and profitability of an organisation. The Office for National Statistics reported that 131 million days were lost to sickness absence and 11.54% of those lost days were mental health related.

But most importantly, avoiding burnout is most important for the individuals that it may affect – particularly as it could lead to further mental and physical illness.

At PDH, we believe that employers have a non-negotiable responsibility to take care of the health and wellbeing of every single person that they employ. To make this easier, we’re working on our very own digital solution.

In the meantime, read more about How to Avoid Burnout from our Joint CEO, Alison Meadows, in HR News.

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