Understanding and Preventing Worker Burnout

Introduction

Burnout has been defined as a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stresses on the job[1]. It manifests itself as exhaustion, cynicism, and diminished professional efficacy. There is a risk of burnout when a discrepancy prevails between the expectations of a motivated employee and the reality of an unfavourable work situation. This discrepancy progresses towards burnout via dysfunctional ways of coping. Severe burnout is related to performance deficits, mental disorders, and physical illnesses. It is also related to a higher risk of work disability, as indicated by sickness absence and disability pension. Prevention of burnout is quite…