Workplace Burnout Assessment
Research-based 20-question assessment measuring the three core dimensions of occupational burnout: emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional inefficacy.
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Answer based on your experience over the past 3 months
For each statement, select how often you have experienced this feeling at work:
I feel emotionally drained from my work
I feel used up at the end of the workday
I feel fatigued when I get up in the morning and have to face another day on the job
Working all day is really a strain for me
I feel burned out from my work
I have trouble sleeping due to work-related stress or thoughts
I feel physically exhausted even after adequate rest
I have become less interested in my work since I started this job
I have become less enthusiastic about my work
I have become more cynical about whether my work contributes anything
I doubt the significance of my work
I just want to do my job and not be bothered
I feel disconnected from my coworkers and workplace
I find myself mentally checking out during work
I feel I am not as effective at work as I should be
I have difficulty concentrating on work tasks
I feel I am not accomplishing worthwhile things at work
My productivity has declined significantly
I make more mistakes at work than I used to
I have lost my sense of purpose and direction at work
Understanding and Recovering from Workplace Burnout
Expert Industry Guide
Burnout, recognized by the World Health Organization in ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon, affects an estimated 76% of workers at some point in their careers. Understanding its three core dimensions—exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy—enables earlier intervention and more effective recovery strategies.
The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)
Developed by Dr. Christina Maslach and Susan Jackson in 1981, the MBI remains the gold standard for burnout assessment. The MBI-GS (General Survey) measures three dimensions applicable across occupations: Exhaustion (EX), Cynicism (CY), and Professional Efficacy (PE). High exhaustion and cynicism with low efficacy indicates burnout.
Dimension 1: Emotional Exhaustion
The core of burnout. Exhaustion manifests as physical and emotional depletion that rest doesn't resolve. Early indicators: needing the entire weekend to recover for Monday, physical symptoms (headaches, insomnia), and feeling overwhelmed by formerly manageable workloads. This dimension often appears first.
Dimension 2: Cynicism / Depersonalization
A defense mechanism against exhaustion. The mind distances from work to protect itself. Symptoms: reduced engagement, negative attitudes, feeling like work doesn't matter, and withdrawing from colleagues. Cynicism often follows sustained exhaustion and signals progression.
Dimension 3: Professional Inefficacy
Reduced sense of accomplishment and competence. Burnout impairs cognitive function—concentration, decision-making, and creativity suffer. Productivity objectively declines, creating a negative feedback loop. This dimension interacts with the other two, worsening overall burnout.
Organizational vs. Individual Factors
Research consistently shows burnout is primarily an organizational problem, not individual weakness. Six workplace factors drive burnout: unsustainable workload, lack of control, insufficient reward, breakdown of community, absence of fairness, and values conflict. Individual interventions without organizational change provide limited relief.
Evidence-Based Recovery Strategies
Recovery requires addressing all three dimensions simultaneously. For exhaustion: workload reduction, recovery time, sleep optimization. For cynicism: reconnecting with meaning, relationship building, career development. For inefficacy: achievable goals, skill development, and recognition. Full recovery typically requires 3-6 months of sustained intervention.
The Cost of Unaddressed Burnout
Beyond individual suffering, burnout costs organizations through turnover (up to 200% of salary to replace), presenteeism (diminished productivity while present), errors, and disengagement. Healthcare costs for burnout-related conditions add billions annually. Early intervention is dramatically more cost-effective than crisis response.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance related to your situation.