The World Health Organization Officially Recognizes Workplace 'Burnout' as an Occupational Phenomenon

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified workplace burnout as an occupational phenomenon in its latest revision of the International Classification of Diseases, reports CNBC . The WHO previously deemed burnout a "state of vital exhaustion," but this is the first time it is being directly connected to the organization's classification of diseases as a work hazard. "Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed," the WHO stated. "Burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life." According to the WHO, burnout is characterized by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, greater mental remoteness from one's job, and less professional effectiveness. Burnout is rated as a cause for which people may contact health services for a reason other than illness or health condition. Future Workplace's Dan Schawbel calls burnout an "epidemic" that will only get worse, especially as employees work more and increasingly feel they are not being fairly remunerated. The WHO said it intends to develop "evidence-based" guidelines for mental well-being in the workplace, with member nations set to deploy the International Classification of Diseases revisions by 2022.