Revitalising burnout research

Abstract

Burnout, a phenomenon extensively studied over the past 50 years, has gained recognition as an occupational phenomenon by the World Health Organisation. It is characterised by three dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy, resulting from chronic workplace stress. While Bianchi and Schonfeld (2025, Beliefs about burnout. Work & Stress, 1–19) argue that burnout overlaps with depression, we take a different stance. We acknowledge the pitfalls of burnout research and suggest how to uncover valid indicators that make it distinct from depression. Our approach emphasises the workplace as the origin of burnout. To advance the field, we propose moving beyond mere measurement and exploring robust theoretical frameworks and innovative methodologies. These efforts can shed light on the complex mechanisms underlying burnout, revitalising our understanding and management of this syndrome.