Upset business man sitting on briefcase in corporate office corner

It’s Official: Work-Place Burnout is a Thing

In the news, work-place burnout has just become recognised officially as a mental health concern by The World Health Organisation (WHO).  

It now has an ICD-11 code, which is a diagnostic tool for medical providers.

Work-place burnout is described by WHO as an extreme stress or fatigue that can result in several major health concerns stemming ”from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” 

The criteria used to diagnose burnout is incredibly vague and subjective and WHOs guidelines note that burnout is only associated with work-related stress. 

However, I think we can all agree that it's a much more nuanced and multifaceted issue, involving more than what happens during working hours. 

Related: Every Corpse on Everest

This reminded me of how easy it is to let the working week seep into the weekends.

Left unchecked, it can have severe ramifications to your relationships, health, and happiness.

I want to encourage you where possible to switch off your work email for the weekend and carve out some time for yourself.

To rest, recharge and recalibrate. 

Pick at least one area from the following to reconnect with this weekend: 

  1. You: Mental, emotional, spiritual if that's your jam. 
  2. Health: Exercise, nutrition and rest. 
  3. Relationships: Friends and family, community. 
  4. Happiness: Play, travel. Simply the things that bring you personal joy. 

The work will always be there and it won't miss you either. 

Have a great weekend. 

Reference:
Good Morning America: Work-place burnout is now officially a recognized mental health concern: What you should know

Want more great content like this sent right to your inbox?

About Danny James

Danny James is a Strength and Conditioning Coach and Personal Trainer in Sydney, Australia with over 15 years of experience supporting national champions and international representatives to reach higher levels of health and performance in multiple sports. He lives in Sydney with his beautiful wife and twins. Sign up for Danny's free newsletter and receive tips, insights, and exclusive email-only content.

5 Comments

  1. […] and why? Why is that important to you? What are your values? What fills you to the brim and what drains you out? What are you willing to work for, and what are you willing to let go of to grab a hold of that […]

  2. […] Related: It’s Official: Workplace Burnout Is a Thing […]

  3. […] I was certainly on my way. I knew the usual signs, habits and justifications that lead to burnout and had once again begun checking them off. I’d gone down that road many […]

  4. […] Related: It’s Official: Work-Place Burnout Is a Thing […]

  5. […] It’s Official: Work-Place Burnout is a Thing […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.