Burnout and work · worksheet 103
Burnout often goes with a loss of meaning. Going back to what matters to you in your work helps you regain momentum, or see what would need to change.
Before you start
- What it is for: To find meaning in your work again, or see clearly what would need to change.
- About 15 minutes.
- Exhaustion often appears when there is a big gap between what matters to you at work and what the job allows you to do.
- A value at work describes how you want to work (“carefully”, “helping”), not a position or a salary.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
The values you are living little today show where to act. One small action a week can already change your relationship with work.
If you find it hard
Avoid big decisions when you are exhausted: recover first and reflect afterwards, with a professional if needed.
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Help the person clarify what matters to them in their work (contribution, learning, relationships, quality, autonomy) and identify actions that reconnect them with meaning, or changes to consider.
Loss of meaning, cynicism, thinking about a career change. Duration: 20 min in session.
References
Maslach, C. & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111.
Wilson, K. G. & Murrell, A. R. (2004). Values work in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Setting a course for behavioral treatment. In S. C. Hayes, V. M. Follette & M. M. Linehan (Eds.), Mindfulness and Acceptance: Expanding the Cognitive-Behavioral Tradition (pp. 120-151). Guilford.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
