Burnout in the workplace can show up as exhaustion, loss of empathy, and a feeling of failure in the workplace. This is often considered to be different than depression. Use this validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to explore whether you’re at risk for burnout.

Indicate how frequently each statement applies to you:

0 = Never

1 = At least a few times each year

2 = At least once a month

3 = Several times a month

4 = Once a week

5 = Several times a week

6 = Every day

1. I feel emotionally exhausted because of my work.
2. I feel worn out at the end of a working day.
3. I feel tired as soon as I get up in the morning and see a new working day stretched out in front of me.
4. I can easily understand the actions of my colleagues/supervisors.
5. I get the feeling that I treat some clients/colleagues impersonally, as if they were objects.
6. Working with people the whole day is stressful for me.
7. I deal with other people’s problems successfully.
8. I feel burned out because of my work.
9. I feel that I influence other people positively through my work.
10. I have become more callous to people since I have started doing this job.
11. I’m afraid that my work makes me emotionally harder.
12. I feel full of energy.
13. I feel frustrated by my work.
14. I get the feeling that I work too hard.
15. I’m not really interested in what is going on with many of my colleagues.
16. Being in direct contact with people at work is too stressful.
17. I find it easy to build a relaxed atmosphere in my working environment.
18. I feel stimulated when I have been working closely with my colleagues.
19. I have achieved many rewarding objectives in my work.
20. I feel as if I’m at my wits’ end.
21. In my work, I am very relaxed when dealing with emotional problems.
22. I have the feeling that my colleagues blame me for some of their problems.

Overall, we’re looking at 3 dimensions:

A. Occupational Exhaustion (EE):

This marker is typically connected to a relationship with work that is perceived as stressful, difficult, or tiring. Maslach considers this to be different than depression, since the symptoms of burnout would be reduced during holidays or times away from work.

Add up all your answers to questions 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 13, 14, 16, and 20. A score less than 17 indicates a low degree of occupational exhaustion. A score higher than 30 indicates a high degree of exhaustion and occupational burnout.

B. Depersonalization or Loss of Empathy (DP):

This dimension is characterized by loss of regard or a negative attitude towards others. It is sometimes expressed by keeping a greater emotional distance from others, social withdrawal, or feelings of guilt.

Add up all your answers to questions 5, 10, 11, 15, and 22. A score less than 5 indicates a low degree of depersonalization. A score higher than 12 indicates a high degree of depersonalization and occupational burnout.

C. Personal Achievement or Accomplishment (PA):

A low score here reflects seeing yourself and your workplace actions, negatively. It can involve doubting your ability to accomplish things at work. A high personal accomplishment score reflects fulfillment in the workplace and a positive view of professional achievements. It helps to balance your experience if or when occupational exhaustion and depersonalization occur.

Add up answers to 4, 7, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, and 21. A score higher than 40 indicates a healthy sense of personal accomplishment. A score less than 33 could indicate high-level occupational burnout.

*Photo by Sebastian Sørensen