The term “burnout syndrome” emerged as one of the nation’s most popular search phrases online Thursday.

The syndrome occurs in people who have been engrossed in a certain project or with work, often leading to excessive physical and psychological stress. Workers eventually reach a “burnout” stage where the body cannot endure further, and in extreme cases, end up hating their work or themselves.

Experts say it is important for workers to keep their composure in order to maintain their current life. They advise finding a hobby to vent out the accumulated work-related fatigue within the mind and the body.

A recent survey by the job search engine Career showed about 75.5 percent of the respondents felt dispirited while in the office.

In another study conducted by ISSP, it was found that only 69 percent of Koreans are content with their work, far below 81 percent, the average job satisfaction level of OECD countries. Research also showed that 87 percent of Koreans are consistently under great stress at work, while the OECD average stands at 78 percent.

By Yoon Ha-youn, Intern reporter (yhayoun@heraldcorp.com)