Definition Of Job Burn Out The construct of job burn out is a type of stress that is most clearly identified by the symptoms associated with it. People suffering from burn out are characterized by three factors - "(1) emotional exhaustion, (2) depersonalization, and (3) diminished personal accomplishment." (Cordes & Dougherty, p.621, 1993). Job burn out is a serious condition that results in reduced employee performance, increased turnover, and increased sick leave (Cordes & Dougherty, 1993). It occurs as a process - "emotional exhaustion appears first as excessive chronic work demands drain individuals emotiona