Professional Well-Being

Abstract

Most adults spend more time at work than anywhere else. Given the fact that the majority of adult life is spent working, workplace well-being becomes increasingly important for overall well-being. In contrast to well-being, professional burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization or cynicism, and low sense of personal accomplishment in response to chronic occupational stressors. Professional burnout affects one’s ability to successfully navigate the unique challenges at various stages of professional development, especially those during periods of role transition from learner to apprentice to early career professional. The consequences of burnout include depression, coping with alcohol or drug use, and broken relationships and professional errors, decrease in satisfaction, and intent to leave one’s job. Unfortunately, rates of professional burnout in human service professions have increased over the last decade. The unique professional challenges and opportunities can be viewed through a developmental lens, similar to Erikson’s psychosocial development model, and traversed by enhancement of various character strengths and virtues. An emphasis on positive psychosocial factors and enhancement of various character strengths and virtues may counter the negative response to these challenges. With the help of a professional coach or mentor, professional development can be navigated and personal, professional, and leadership development successfully guided.