A project explored the manpower issue termed "burnout" and the impact of this phenomenon on mental health service programs. (In the framework of this study burnout is defined as that state of non-productivity, non-motivation, and indifference which interferes with a worker's delivering services effectively.) Existing literature does not clearly discriminate the causes of this syndrome. However, similar behavior results when problems occur in any of three areas: (1) factors in the worker's personal life, (2) factors related to the nature of the work being carried out, and (3) factors related to the job conditions under which the work is carried out. Stressors in these three areas have independent origins but overlapping consequences. Examination of these stress source areas as they relate to mental health service personnel suggested a number of strategies to alleviate the burnout syndrome by reducing stress and increasing coping skills. Once the sources of stress at a particular organization are uncovered, jobs can be redesigned and organizational strategies can be used to intervene. These strategies include shorter hours in direct client contact, rotating assignments, developing procedures for joint handling of problems, developing mechanisms for staff support, and providing inservice training for required work skills. (MN)