Addressing the pervasive issue of job burnout, this review defines it as a prolonged response to chronic workplace stressors, characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. The research traces the evolution of burnout studies over the past 25 years, highlighting its organizational context and international expansion. By focusing on engagement, the positive antithesis of burnout, the paper offers insights for developing effective interventions to alleviate workplace stress and promote employee well-being, with the solid research basis concerning the syndrome, and its specific ties to the work domain.
Published in the Annual Review of Psychology, this paper aligns with the journal's focus on comprehensive reviews of significant psychological concepts. By examining job burnout, its dimensions, and potential interventions, the paper provides valuable insights for psychologists and organizational researchers.