The Burnout Treatment Program: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Mental Health and Well-being Outcomes

Objective: This study investigates the efficacy and sustained impact of a pilot burnout prevention initiative led by the Belgian Federal Agency for Occupational Risks (Fedris). The research aims to assess the feasibility of scaling this intervention for broader application across various occupational settings, with the goal of promoting burnout prevention and improving workplace well-being for all workers.
Methods: Employing a longitudinal, mixed-methods design, this study assessed mental health outcomes—including burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress—via validated measures such as the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data collection occurred at three intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4–6 months post-intervention, providing insight into both immediate and sustained effects. The intervention incorporated a combined approach targeting individual support (e.g., stress management, coping strategies) and organizational measures (e.g., workload adjustment and managerial support). Repeated measures ANOVA and descriptive statistics were conducted to analyze changes in psychological indicators.
Results: Analysis of data from 223 participants indicated statistically significant reductions in burnout, anxiety, depression, and stress levels post-intervention, with these improvements largely maintained at 4-6 months post intervention, highlighting the importance of both individual and organizational components.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the utility of Fedris' pilot program as a viable, holistic strategy for mitigating burnout risks and enhancing workplace well-being in high-stress sectors. Results support the potential for adapting and scaling similar interventions across other industries to foster a preventive, sustainable approach to occupational burnout and improve overall employee mental health.