The World Health Organization recently redefined burnout in an attempt to shed light on mental health in the workplace.
Though not a medical condition, as some media reported, burnout is now being called an “occupational phenomenon” and a symptom of chronic work stress. The update, which will be included in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), expands from a one-sentence definition in ICD-10 to include specific characteristics:
- feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
- increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and
- reduced professional efficacy.
A sociologist from RWTH Aachen University in Germany told NPR the new definition gives those affected by burnout “more legitimacy.”
While this is a big step forward in validating the feelings people experience when they suffer from burnout and – hopefully – will improve the stigma, what matters more is that this change, however slight, serves as a wake-up call to us all to address the root of the problem: workplace stress. The stress that is experienced in the workplace can sometimes be overwhelming for individuals. This normally leads to them worrying about these issues when they’re at home, adding to the stress. When this occurs, it’s so important that people take some time away from the workplace to try and refresh themselves from this stress. Perhaps some employees might even consider using some health products, such as these Delta 8 carts for vapes. These should reduce stress levels significantly, allowing workers to enjoy some time off.
Think about it. Things have gotten so bad that the World Health Organization this year began to develop a guideline on mental health in the workplace to help “prevent, manage, and overcome” mental health conditions. Despite all the continued buzz about workplace stress, work-life balance, the importance of taking time off, disconnecting from email after hours, etc., burnout is on the rise.
It’s time to talk about prevention. For some helpful tips, check out Sam’s post on Mental Health Awareness Month.
