Message From Your Region 4 Representatives | July 2019

Burnout: The Struggle is Real
by Kiosha Forston, MASS, RHIA, CPC, CHTS-TR
One in five employees suffer from burnout according to Harvard Business Review, and it’s common in the healthcare industry. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently listed burnout as an official occupation diagnosis in the newest version of ICD-11, and states its definition as follows:
Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Symptoms are characterized by three dimensions: 1) feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; 2) increased mental distance from a job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to a job; and 3) reduced professional efficacy.
Burn-out was also included in ICD-10, in the same category as ICD-11, but the definition is now more detailed.
Because it is recognized by the WHO as a legitimate medical diagnosis, it can be real and should be addressed. Warning signs of burnout may include health problems, fatigue, negativity, decreased job satisfaction, performance issues, etc.
If you hear someone mention burnout in the workplace, ask them if you can help them. If you feel like you are struggling with burnout, take the time necessary to separate yourself from your work so you can recharge and find balance.
Resources:
CNN Health, “Burnout Is an Official Medical Diagnosis, World Health Organization Says” (May 27, 2019): www.cnn.com/2019/05/27/health/who-burnout-disease-trnd/index.html
WHO, Mental Health, “Burn-out an ‘occupational phenomenon’: International Classification of Diseases: ” https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/
Harvard Business Review, “1 in 5 Employees Is Highly Engaged and at Risk of Burnout” (May 16, 2018): https://hbr.org/2018/02/1-in-5-highly-engaged-employees-is-at-risk-of-burnout