“I Am a Person Outside of My Work:” Sensemaking Which Promotes Recovery From Burnout in Meaningful Work

This article uses sensemaking theory and conservation of resources theory to explore how caregiving professionals recover from burnout in meaningful work. Analysis of interviews ( N = 22) with professionals in healthcare, education, clergy, and social work revealed a sequence of sensemaking which enabled recovery. Initially, participants found their work highly meaningful. However, burnout functioned as a negative triggering event which threatened this meaningfulness and prompted intentions to quit. Important sensegivers intervened with framing and support which enabled resource gain. In turn, participants engaged in three primary sensemaking processes which enabled recovery: (a) sensebreaking of identity in work and adoption of what I label personhood identity , (b) what I call senseloosening around meaningfulness of work, and, subsequently, (c) sensedeepening of meaningfulness of work. These communication processes enabled recovery in ways that prevented turnover and enabled sustained careers in meaningful work. Implications for positive organizational communication theory and practice conclude the article.