Burnout

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, typically related to work. The World Health Organization describes it as an occupational phenomenon, characterised by exhaustion, mental distance or cynicism about one’s job, and reduced effectiveness. It is not a medical condition in itself but a serious wellbeing and performance issue. `[VERIFY]` current WHO framing before publishing.

It is closely connected to employee wellbeing and undermines employee engagement, and it is often the flip side of low resilience and unsustainable demands.

Why burnout matters

Burnout harms the individual and the organisation at once: it damages health and quality of life, and it drives down performance, raises errors and absence, and increases attrition. Because it builds over time and is often hidden until it is severe, it is far better prevented than treated. It has become a prominent concern as work intensity and always-on expectations have risen.

Causes and prevention

Common causes. Chronic overload, lack of control, unfairness, insufficient support, and a mismatch between demands and resources.
Manager role. Managers strongly influence workload, recognition, and safety, which links prevention to manager effectiveness.
Build resilience and support. Coaching and a supportive culture help people manage pressure before it becomes burnout.
Fix the system, not just the person. Sustainable workloads and fair conditions matter more than resilience alone.

Support people before they burn out

Coaching gives people a confidential space to manage pressure, set boundaries, and build resilience, and helps managers spot and ease the conditions that lead to burnout. Coachello makes that support available across your organisation.

Protect your people’s wellbeing. Book a demo.

This page describes burnout in a workplace and educational context. If you or someone you know is struggling, it is worth speaking with a qualified health professional.

FAQs

What are the signs of burnout?

Persistent exhaustion, growing cynicism or detachment from work, and a sense of reduced effectiveness, often alongside physical symptoms and disengagement.

What causes burnout?

Prolonged stress from causes such as chronic overload, lack of control, unfairness, and insufficient support, especially when demands outstrip resources over time.

How can organisations prevent burnout?

By addressing workload and fairness at the system level, developing supportive managers, and giving people resilience-building support such as coaching, rather than relying on individual coping alone.