Scientific background of the burnout test

Scientific research and validation of the Bridge Burnout Indicator

This page outlines the scientific background of The Bridge Burnout Indicator – a validated burnout test developed through research among over 2,000 employees across the United States and Europe, combining the measurement of burnout symptoms and workplace happiness in one scientifically grounded model.

• Developed in collaboration with universities and research institutes
• Based on data from over 2,000 employees in the US and Europe
• Uses normative-ipsative split technology for higher accuracy
• Measures 4 burnout dimensions and 4 workplace happiness dimensions
• Scientifically validated for professional use in organizations

Of the working population in Europe and the US, about 7 percent have burnout symptoms. Burnout is not new: the first scientific studies date back to the 1970s. Nevertheless, burnout is still debated today and there is no clear picture of the extent of the problem.

This is also caused by an outdated scientific definition of burnout and a lack of modern, scientifically validated tests to identify burnout symptoms in employees. To illustrate, almost all burnout diagnoses and scientific research on burnout to date had to be done with the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a questionnaire from 1981. Since then, many new insights have been gained about burnout and job happiness (the opposite of burnout). This has never produced a good and reliable burnout test. Until now.

Reliability and validity studies

TestGroup, in collaboration with various Dutch universities and foreign universities, has conducted research into a new way to measure burnout and job satisfaction using a new 'smart' professional burnout test: The Bridge Burnout Indicator. By using a new (artificial intelligence based) technique, the normative-ipsative split technology, the online burnout indicator is even better at noticing early symptoms than the employee himself.

The Bridge Burnout Indicator has been extensively studied on reliability and validity among a large group (n=2134) of employees in the Netherlands and Belgium. This research shows that the BBI (Bridge Burnout Indicator) is a very reliable and valid measuring instrument. The Bridge Burnout Indicator does not diagnose burnout, but measures burnout symptoms and happiness at work. In this way, the test helps to identify burnout symptoms in employees at an early stage, thus preventing costs for companies and organizations.

Why burnout symptoms plus work happiness matters scientifically

The Bridge Burnout Indicator is built on recent organizational psychology research showing that burnout symptoms and workplace happiness can coexist as independent yet interrelated dimensions – combining both in a single scientifically grounded test enables early and accurate detection of burnout risk while offering insight into employee well‑being (see Shelke et al. (2023) on the mediating role of workplace happiness in engagement).

Dimensions of burnout

The Bridge Burnout Indicator measures 4 symptoms of burnout that together form a burnout score:

• Fatigue: the overall physical and mental fatigue an employee experiences, both at work and at home.
• Mental distance from work: the degree of mental resistance an employee has built up to work.
• Cognitively fatigued: the memory, attention and concentration problems that an employee suffers from.
• Emotionally fatigued: the presence of emotional reactions or fatigue that an employee suffers from at home or at work.

Dimensions of work happiness

Because research shows that measuring burnout alone is not enough to prevent employee attrition, The Bridge Burnout Indicator also measures 4 dimensions of work happiness:

• Work engagement: the energy and motivation of the employee that make for passionate engagement in work.
• Proactive vitality: proactive behavior of the employee directed to promote vitality at work.
• Job satisfaction: the employee's positive emotional feeling resulting from satisfaction with a job or work experience.
• Organizational engagement: the interest and connection that an employee has with an organization.

What is a burnout?

Burnout is the final stage of a prolonged period of stress and (over)tension. This causes an employee to suffer from both physical and mental exhaustion. It is often work-related and occurs in employees who have worked productively and without problems for an extended period of time.

Fatigue, mentally distancing oneself from work, being cognitively and emotionally tired are considered the core factors of burnout.

Burnout is mainly caused by a mismatch between high work demands and insufficient resources at work. Problems in the private sphere or personal predispositions can facilitate burnout.

How the Bridge Burnout Indicator helps to prevent burnout

The Bridge Burnout Indicator helps prevent burnout by offering a quick and professional test that employees can complete online. After completing the test, a clear report is generated instantly, showing the level of burnout risk and providing insight into workplace happiness. This allows HR professionals and managers to take early, targeted action to support the employee and reduce the risk of long-term absence.

How to order the Bridge Burnout Indicator

• You can order a single test or choose a subscription with unlimited access.
• Your employee or client can get started within 30 minutes of ordering. The report is available right after completing the test.
• Available for companies, freelancers and organizations (not for individual use).
• With a subscription, you’ll receive a free 3-hour online training on how to professionally use the Burnout Test in practice.

Video: Professional burnout test