A proposal has been made to grant Russian workers up to seven additional days of paid leave annually if they can medically confirm emotional burnout. The initiative, spearheaded by Anton Orlov, director of the Institute for the Study of Problems of Modern Politics, has been formally addressed to Anton Kotyakov, the head of the Ministry of Labor.

Orlov’s letter emphasizes the World Health Organization’s 2019 recognition of emotional burnout as a legitimate disease, included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Burnout is characterized by fatigue, decreased concentration, irritability, and reduced motivation. Orlov warns that untreated burnout can lead to serious mental and physical health issues, including depressive episodes.

The proposal suggests that certain professions are at higher risk. These include resuscitators, hospice and nursing home staff, doctors specializing in pediatric care, and some IT professionals. The initiative aims to address the growing concern of worker burnout and its potential impact on public health and productivity.