Mental Health · Work
Burnout
Self-Assessment
15 questions across the three dimensions of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation/cynicism, and personal accomplishment. Based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory framework.
What is burnout exactly? ▾
Burnout is a state of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, characterised by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (feeling drained and depleted), depersonalisation/cynicism (emotional distance from your work and colleagues, increased negativity), and reduced personal accomplishment (feeling ineffective, doubting your competence). It was formally recognised by the WHO in 2019 as an occupational phenomenon in the ICD-11. It is distinct from depression, though the two can co-occur and share some symptoms.
Is this quiz a clinical diagnosis? ▾
No — this is a self-assessment tool for personal awareness, not a clinical diagnosis. The questions are inspired by the Maslach Burnout Inventory dimensions but this is not the validated MBI instrument and should not be used for clinical or occupational health purposes. If your results indicate high burnout and you're struggling significantly, please consider speaking with a doctor, occupational health professional, or therapist who can provide proper evaluation and support.
Can I recover from burnout? ▾
Yes — burnout is recoverable, though recovery typically takes months rather than days. Research suggests recovery requires both rest (genuine disconnection from work, not just time off while checking email) and addressing the underlying causes — whether that's workload, autonomy, recognition, community, fairness, or values misalignment. A two-week holiday followed by return to identical conditions produces no lasting recovery. Sustainable recovery usually involves structural changes to work conditions, building recovery habits (sleep, exercise, social connection), and often professional support.
How to Take the Burnout Self-Assessment
Get a scored burnout breakdown across six dimensions with an actionable recovery plan.
01
Answer honestly, not optimistically
The quiz is only useful if you reflect your actual current state, not how you'd like to be. There are no right answers.
02
Think about the past 2–4 weeks
Burnout exists on a spectrum — answer based on your recent experience, not your worst day or your best day.
03
Complete all 20 questions
The six dimensions (exhaustion, cynicism, efficacy, physical symptoms, interpersonal depletion, recovery ability) are only fully scored with all questions answered.
04
Read the dimension breakdown
Your overall score matters less than which dimensions are highest. Emotional exhaustion needs different intervention than cynicism or loss of efficacy.
05
Follow the targeted recommendations
Each high-scoring dimension has specific, evidence-based interventions. Start with your highest-scoring area — that's where intervention will have the most impact.
💡 Burnout is not solved by a holiday. Rest helps, but the underlying causes — workload, lack of autonomy, poor fit with values — need structural change to prevent recurrence.