Lithuania develops burnout risk assessment tool adapted for the country

A study by Vilnius University (VU) researchers indicates that roughly one in seven individuals employed in Lithuania is at high risk of burnout. The research also highlights a significant challenge in accurately identifying burnout, as more than half of those who perceive themselves as experiencing it do not actually fall into the high-risk category.

Jurgita Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė, head of the Organizational Psychology Research Center at VU's Faculty of Philosophy and a co-author of the study, noted the global discussion around burnout but stressed the public's lack of clear understanding regarding the distinction between ordinary fatigue and early burnout symptoms. "We wanted to understand the situation. Seeing that the level of burnout risk in Lithuania is one of the highest in the world, we continued our research to understand what people experiencing burnout go through, how they recognize the first symptoms, and what prompts them to seek professional help, and what deters them," Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė stated.

To address this, VU scientists have adapted one of the most widely used burnout risk assessment methods globally for the Lithuanian context. The tool, which involves answering a dozen questions, determines an individual's personal burnout risk level and offers recommendations for subsequent actions. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.

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We wanted to understand the situation. Seeing that the level of burnout risk in Lithuania is one of the highest in the world, we continued our research to understand what people experiencing burnout go through, how they recognize the first symptoms, and what prompts them to seek professional help, and what deters them.

Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė explained the different risk levels: low risk suggests effective stress management, emphasizing the importance of regular rest and monitoring workload. Moderate risk might be a temporary state linked to increased stress, but if it persists without relief, professional help is advised. High risk indicates a potential need for professional assistance.

The VU research also identified deteriorating concentration, difficulties in focusing, and memory problems as prominent signals of high burnout risk. Common contributing factors include interpersonal conflicts, increasing work intensity, and constant organizational changes. Upon completion, the questionnaire provides employees with an individual burnout risk assessment and actionable recommendations.

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Low burnout risk shows that the employee manages stress at work, so it is important to continue doing what helps: rest regularly, monitor changes in workload, and pay attention to fatigue signals. Moderate burnout risk can be a temporary state associated with increased tension at work or in personal life, but if such a state persists and there is no relief, we suggest considering the possibility of professional help. High burnout risk indicates that professional help may be needed.