The three types of burnout

Burnout can be defined as a combination of exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficiency. People who feel burned out may experience a lack of emotional energy to attend to their work, withdraw from colleagues and customers, and may feel incompetent as a result.

But not everyone experiences burnout in the same way. A better framework can help to understand the many subtypes of burnout.

• The frenetic worker. Despite feeling overloaded and overwhelmed with work, you work increasingly harder, ignoring your own needs to the point of exhaustion.
• The under-challenged worker. You have to cope with monotonous conditions that fail to provide satisfaction. You feel that your work lacks opportunities to develop your abilities.
• The worn-out worker. You are mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. You become passive and unmotivated.