Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Management Practice Test

What condition does an employee suffer from when excessive stress causes them to lose interest in their job?

1. Burnout

2. Alienation

3. Interpersonal conflict

4. Job dissatisfaction

The correct answer is: Burnout

Burnout is a psychological condition that arises when employees experience prolonged stress and become emotionally and physically exhausted. This state often leads to a diminished interest in their job, feelings of cynicism, and a sense of reduced professional efficacy. Individuals suffering from burnout may start to find the tasks that once engaged them to be overwhelming or unfulfilling, thus impacting their productivity and job performance. This condition is commonly seen in high-stress professions or environments where pressures are consistently high without sufficient support or resources for recovery. The other conditions listed may involve stress or issues with job engagement but do not encapsulate the full scope of burnout. Alienation pertains to feelings of social isolation or disconnection within the workplace. Interpersonal conflict involves disagreements or tensions between employees, which can lead to stress but is separate from the intrinsic loss of interest seen in burnout. Job dissatisfaction refers more broadly to an employee's overall lack of satisfaction with their job, which may arise from various factors but does not specifically relate to the excessive and chronic stress leading to emotional exhaustion and disengagement characterizing burnout.