Burnout as an occupational phenomenon: Navigating the Twilight Zone

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon.
• Ongoing debates exist regarding the conceptual and diagnostic status of burnout.
• Parker and Russo's (2025) review distinguishes "burning out" from "burnt out" but offers limited insight into practical workplace applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the implications of classifying burnout as an occupational phenomenon under ICD-11.
• To propose a framework for integrating organizational and clinical approaches to burnout.
• To address the practical assessment and management of burnout in workplace contexts.

Main Methods:

• This is a commentary engaging with existing literature and reviews on burnout.
• It analyzes the ICD-11 classification of burnout.
• It proposes a dual-approach model for burnout management.

Main Results:

• Organizational screening can identify at-risk employees and modifiable job factors.
• Clinical diagnosis by health professionals is appropriate for referred cases.
• Viewing organizational and clinical approaches as complementary, rather than competing, is advocated.

Conclusions:

• A pragmatic stance integrating organizational and clinical strategies allows for effective burnout prevention and referral.
• This approach accommodates ongoing conceptual debates while addressing practical workplace needs.
• Maintaining distinct roles for organizational assessment and clinical diagnosis avoids methodological impasses.