Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

Professional burnout syndrome is an indicator of a process of health deterioration related to work. According to the Job Demands-Resources Theory, professional burnout develops in the workplace as a result of excessive job demands that are not balanced by personal and organizational resources. Professional burnout can affect employees across various sectors and organizations. The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome caused by chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. According to the latest research, the main components of burnout are exhaustion, distancing from work, and impaired cognitive and emotional functioning. These core symptoms may be accompanied by secondary symptoms, such as low mood or nonspecific signs of distress. Professional burnout shares common variance with other mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, yet they are not identical phenomena. Furthermore, research on the prevalence of burnout among employees should include individuals seeking psychological and medical help. Burnout impacts both professional and personal quality of life. Consequently, preventive measures addressing burnout are increasingly seen as a domain of organizational improvement, while interventions and treatments for mental health issues remain the domain of medical professionals.

Authors

• dr hab. Beata Basińska link open in new tab