For at least two decades, Burnout syndrome has been known, diagnosed, and prevented in increasingly general and non-specific work environments. Initially applied only to workers in the social and healthcare fields, the "burnout" syndrome has become widespread today.
Burnout syndrome refers to a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion caused by stress or dissatisfaction in the work environment of the person suffering from it. This syndrome is recognized as a trigger for other problems that affect the physical and mental health of workers. Maintaining exposure to work-related stress factors over time results in wear and tear that becomes chronic and, in turn, susceptible to causing illness in the worker.
It should be emphasized that this syndrome is primarily a consequence of exposure to harmful organizational conditions that lead to a dysfunctional situation in the work environment, as occupational burnout syndrome specifically refers to phenomena in the workplace context (WHO, 2019).
The work-related origin of this syndrome is clear, and therefore it is logical and fair to assume its consequences, recognizing the psychosocial risks that work has on workers.
Furthermore, this recognition would be a first step towards obliging many companies to carry out actions aimed at eliminating or reducing situations that may expose their staff to psychosocial risks.
It has been three years since the WHO recognized this syndrome in the framework of the celebration of the assembly of this organization on May 25, 2019, and it is included in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11), since January 1, 2022.
In the National Health System, it is not considered a professional condition, despite the fact that this syndrome is giving rise to numerous lawsuits before the courts because it is a cause of sick leave, since it is a disorder within the work context of those who suffer from it, it does not give rise to temporary disabilities, but also permanent and even total or absolute ones. In addition, the Justice system would be setting precedents, recognizing in some courts the "professional burnout syndrome" as an occupational disease, as has happened in Andalusia or Navarra.
The Law on Prevention of Occupational Risks (31/1995 of November 8) has only undergone specific modifications, and continues to not consider psychosocial risks, therefore we demand that the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy take into account and correct this disastrous situation suffered by the working class.
Member of the Canal Gestión company committee representing the General Confederation of Labor (CGT).
