The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has for the first time recognized burnout as a legitimate medical condition, placing it on its International Classification of Diseases (ICD) list.

Delegates at the World Health Assembly in Geneva approved the changes over the past weekend.  Burnout is defined as "a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed".  

"I believe WHO classifying workplace burnout as an official medical diagnosis will lead business organisations to take work-life balance more seriously, and implement well-being programs to prevent workplace burnout," said Professor Alexander Newman from the Deakin Business School to the ABC.  "The classification will also allow more individuals to obtain a medical diagnosis for workplace burnout, which will enable them to take time off on sick leave to recover," he added.

There are six main risk factors for burnout:  Having an overwhelming workload; limited control; unrewarding work; unfair work; work that conflicts with ones values; and a lack of community in the workplace.