'Perfectionist' employees risking burnout

Employees who are constantly trying to achieve perfection in the workplace are at risk of burning themselves out, says new research.

Disproportionately high personal standards, combined with brutal self-criticism, are traits that are typically associated with high achievement, virtue, and being conscientious.

The research found that this trait is closely associated with burnout; a physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.

The link is particularly strong in employment settings. This could be due to the 'performance-outcome' focus of the workplace.