This paper reviews the literature on the causes of job burnout, a condition which has been linked with high personnel turnover, friction with co-workers and supervisors, increased dissatisfaction with both the job and the organization, job withdrawal, decreased productivity and absenteeism. The paper discusses the communication skills necessary to prevent or reduce burnout from individual and organizational perspectives. The paper places primary emphasis on coping techniques in the following areas: developing interpersonal communication skills, realigning perceptions, empathic listening, distinguishing fact from inference, confronting burnout openly, developing appropriate training programs, and increasing constructive feedback. Attached are 42 references. (Author/KEH)