The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already decided in 2019 that occupational burnout will be recognised as a disease and included in the International Classification of Diseases and Health Problems. This list is updated periodically, with the tenth version currently in force. The new classification of diseases will come into force on 1 January 2022.

From the new year, people who have symptoms of burnout will be able to receive L4, or sick leave. As with depression, an exemption for this reason will allow freedom of movement, such as going shopping or to the swimming pool.

What is occupational burnout?

The main symptoms of occupational burnout are a loss of enjoyment of the job and a feeling of constant stress and dissatisfaction with the results.

Professional burnout manifests itself through a problem with concentration and engagement in work responsibilities. If the same responsibilities previously took up all of your attention and gave you satisfaction, this may be a sign of job burnout.

Lack of results from your work is another sign of professional burnout. It is worth observing whether the situation does not repeat itself relatively often, as even the best employee may have worse days at work and this is not always indicative of burnout.

A sign of burnout can also be constant complaints of headaches or stomach aches, or frequent periods of sick leave. Burnout has a negative impact on health. It can affect heart disease, strokes, obesity, headaches and muscle aches, and can even be a cause of depression.