Your BAT results: what the scores suggest and what to do next
A BAT result shows how often you noticed burnout symptoms, as a total and by symptom. Look at the total and at which symptoms stand out. It is a description of your answers, not a diagnosis. [1]
What should I do after I get a result?
Look at which symptoms stand out. These are suggestions, based on how the symptoms are described, not clinical advice.
| If this stands out | It may suggest | A first step |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaustion is high | You are tired and struggle to recover. | Look at workload and recovery. Try the workload audit and the shutdown routine. |
| Mental distance is high | You have pulled away from the job. | Think about what changed. Talk to someone you trust about the work. |
| Cognitive or emotional impairment is high | Concentration, memory, or emotional control are affected. | Talk to your manager about load, and consider seeing a GP. |
| Secondary symptoms are high | Worry, sleep, or physical complaints are involved. | See a GP. These symptoms can have many causes. |
| Low across the board | You are not reporting many burnout symptoms right now. | Keep an eye on it, and repeat it if things change. |
What do green, orange, and red mean?
The authors call green "no risk of burnout", orange "at risk for burnout", and red "very high risk of burnout", by analogy with a traffic light. They are based on how your score compares with the scores of patients with severe burnout complaints. [1] The labels are the authors' wording, for Flemish employees. They are not a diagnosis, and they should not stop you asking for help in the green zone.
Does a high score mean something is wrong with me?
No. A high score means you reported many symptoms, which is information, not a verdict. The manual says no burnout diagnosis can be made solely on the basis of the BAT, and that it can be a valuable tool in an assessment by a trained professional. [1] A high score is a reason to talk to someone, not a reason to be afraid.
Can a low score rule out burnout?
No. A low score says you reported few symptoms. You can still be struggling. If you feel unwell despite a low score, speak to a doctor.
What could I bring to a conversation?
The pattern across the symptoms. For example: "I am exhausted and I find it hard to concentrate at work. I would like to talk about what could change." HSE suggests talking to your manager, a colleague, or a GP if stress is hard to manage. [4]
Where can I find support?
In the UK, the NHS says to see a GP if you are struggling to cope with stress, and that adults can refer themselves to NHS talking therapies. [2] In the United States, NIMH lists 988 for immediate distress. [3] If you may harm yourself or cannot stay safe, call 999 in the UK or contact local emergency services. findahelpline.com lists services by country.
Common questions
What if only one symptom is high?
Then look at that one. For example, if concentration and memory are the problem, think about interruptions and workload. The workload audit is a good place to start.
Can I use my BAT result to ask for changes at work?
It is a self-report questionnaire, not a medical assessment. HSE suggests you talk to your manager early, and describe the cause of the pressure. [4]
Sources and further reading
These links open external research and health-information websites.
- Schaufeli, De Witte, and Desart (2020): User manual, Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), version 2.0. KU Leuven, Belgium (internal report). Copy read from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine
The versions, the dimensions and item counts, the five-point scale, how to calculate and interpret scores, the Flemish norms and cut-offs, and the three principles of use. Read on 2 November 2026. - NHS: Get help with stress
Signs of stress, when to see a GP, urgent help routes in the UK, and self-referral to NHS talking therapies. - NIMH: I'm so stressed out! Fact sheet
When to seek professional help, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. - HSE: Help for workers on stress at work
Who to talk to at work about stress, and the employer's duty in Great Britain.
This page is educational. A questionnaire score cannot establish a diagnosis or explain the cause of your symptoms. If you are struggling, speak with a doctor or mental health professional, whatever your score. Read when to get help for work stress or find a helpline in your country.