Burnout by Definition

In January 2024, the World Health Organization approved a formal definition of burnout, classifying it as a Occupational Hazard. As a coach of burned out and overwhelmed professionals and entrepreneurs who also happen to be parents, I both understand the WHO's approach but feel that an important element of home workload is missing in the assessment. Nonetheless, what gets measured gets done, as the saying goes.

3 Scales

The Bergen Burnout Inventory consists of three scales, identified by answering three questions. This is a self-assessment that represents a snapshot in time. As you move through challenging transformations, at home or at work, feel free to take this assessment to rate your current level of burnout.

The first scale deals with exhaustion. This is the physical element of burnout that includes overcommitment. Counterpoints to this scale include productivity hacks, time management, and prioritization.

The second scale deals with cynicism. The scale deals with both the cognitive and the mindset. Frequently, cynicism asks the question of "is it even worth it anymore?" A positive mindset, creating a thriving support community and practicing the (Em)powered No is the approach that counters cynicism.

The third and final scale is called inadequacy. This scales again deals with cognitive and emotional responses. A common thought of inadequacy is "am I good enough?" This thought can take many forms and can often be described as imposter syndrome. Countering these thoughts include rest and recovery to focus on balanced hormones, creating a gratitude practice, developing your support community.

Want to know where you stand in burnout? Take the assessment below.

Take the Assessment