WHO officially recognises ‘burnout’ as an occupational phenomenon

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially recognised ‘burnout’ as an occupational phenomenon and has described it as "syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed", according to a recent BBC News article.

The syndrome can be characterised by feeling of ‘exhaustion, negativism or cynicism related to an individual's job and poor performance’.

Doctors say that it can be hard for others to understand or see that there is something wrong and the individual experiencing burnout may not even be aware themselves. Dr Rachel Morris, a GP who has seen many patients who were ill because of workplace stress over the last fifteen years, said:

"I think it's quite difficult to identify your own signs of burnout. People close to you, or managers, are very good at identifying it from the other side,"

She adds that patients suffering from burnout may stop eating properly, become unsure of themselves, feel continually tired, as well as feeling cynical, hopeless or detached. They may also experience feelings of resentment or anger towards work, colleagues and friends.

"When people start going off sick from work with back pain, gastroenteritis or migraines, often they might be burnt out," says Dr Morris.

Who can experience burnout?

Dr Morris also states that although many people think only those with high flying careers and those who hate their job experience burnout, this is not the case. Those who are generally high achievers and perfectionists may be more likely to suffer burnout, as they get a lot of value from their work identity. However, burnout doesn’t just affect individuals at work - people with caring responsibilities can also experience the condition.

Psychotherapist and author of The Burnout Bible, Dr Jacky Francis Walker, specialises in treating patients with burnout. Dr Walker says:

"Caring for children or elderly relatives - sometimes with disabilities - are people who could be classified as being severely burnt out. These patients are completely exhausted, and might experience 'compassion fatigue' which implies a lack of empathy."

Burnout is also not something that develops quickly, instead it builds up over time, usually over a period of around six to eighteen months.

Richard Edwards, Partner within Potter Rees Dolan's Personal Injury team, comments:

The official WHO recognition of ‘burnout’ as a syndrome related to work place stress is an important step towards ensuring that employers (and employees) are equipped with what they need to identify instances where this is a potential issue, and to take precautionary steps before things get out of hand. I have come across many instances where employers have ignored cries for help from overburdened employees and the implications can often be disastrous. The more awareness there is of the real dangers of excessive work pressures, the better in my view, so this news is very welcome indeed.

Read how Richard secured a six figure settlement for a Claims Adjuster who suffered occupational stress.

Richard Edwards is a Partner within the Personal Injury team here at Potter Rees Dolan, who specialises in Occupational Stress claims. If you have any questions regarding Occupational Stress, or any aspect of this article and would like to speak with Richard please call us on 0800 027 2557 or fill out the contact form at the side of this page. Alternatively, you can contact Richard directly here.