Contrary to media reports, as of 1 January 2022, burnout cannot be recognised as a disease justifying an absence from work. While burnout will be included in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 11th Revision (ICD-11) by the WHO in 2022, it is not classified as a disease.

Moreover, in Poland, the 10th revision of the classification (ICD-10) still applies and this will not change for several years. According to Polish regulations, generally, an employee’s inability to work should result from illness (which also includes injuries). The doctor should first examine the employee and then determine the illness that affects the employee to such an extent that it prevents them from working. The illness should then be indicated in the sick leave certificate with the appropriate ICD-10 code. Only such a certificate can serve as evidence justifying absence from work.

The employer, however, does not see the illness code in the sick leave certificate. In practice, the key will be the doctors’ practices in determining the causes of work-related absence and supervision by ZUS (the Social Insurance Institution).

Regardless of changes in classification, employers should ensure safe and hygienic working conditions, which also includes preventing undesirable phenomena like burnout.