Introduction

Burnout is often times referred as an “occupational phenomenon”. In May of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO), included burnout in the 11th revision fo the international classifications of Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational phenomenon.

The ICD-11 defines burnout as:

• 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.

World Health Organization, 2019.

Why is burnout important and how why should it relate to policy?

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019 reported that mental health disorders are amongst the most burdensome health concerns in US. 71% of adults reported at least one symptom of stress, such as feeling overwhelmed, anxious and having headaches.
• Promoting and encouraging policies that promote mental-well being in the workplace is crucial, there is about 63% of Americans that are part of the US labor force.
• Addressing burnout in the workplace can help reduce health care cost.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019)

The goal is to bring awareness and promote self-care, which is an importance factor of proactive stress reduction techniques to avoid burnout.

References:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Mental Health in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/tools-resources/workplace-health/mental-health/index.html

O’Connor, K., Muller Neff, D., & Pitman, S. (2018). Burnout in mental health professionals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and determinants. European Psychiatry, 53, 74-99. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.06.003

World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases.Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/