What happens when boredom sets in in the work routine? When the hours of the work day go by in dribs and drabs, we take it for granted that our work does not motivate us or becomes too heavy for us. However, in an era where productivity and performance are a priority, there is a new phenomenon that reflects when this boredom can take its toll beyond being productive or in the work space itself. We talk about the ‘boreout’which can have an impact on the mental health and job satisfaction of workers and the dynamics of the companies in which they are
While burnout, with its extreme wear and tear and obvious visibility, gets most of the attention, boreout is starting to raise a certain level of alarm. Because? Because it not only undermines the morale of the workersbut also undermines the ability of companies to retain talent and compete in an increasingly dynamic market.
What is boreout and what causes it
Boreout can be defined as a persistent feeling of uselessness and purposelessness at work. Lotta Harju, professor at EM Lyon Business School, describes it as “the experience that work has no point” in an interview with the BBC. According to Harju, this disconnection does not arise from the workload, but from his emptiness.
Chronic boredom at work can be caused by several factors:
- Repetitive or mechanical tasks: Those that do not involve significant mental or physical effort.
- Demotivating environments: Impersonal offices, like classic cubicle farms, contribute to a feeling of anonymity.
- Lack of challenges: When tasks do not require learning or development.
Ruth Stock-Homburg from the Technical University of Darmstadt adds that the boreout does not discriminate between sectors. From store clerks to taxi drivers who wait hours between customers, and even technology sector employees, everyone can feel trapped by this work monotony.
The consequences of the boreout on health and business
Boreout may seem harmless compared to burnout, but its effects are just as devastating. A study conducted by Harju in 2014, with more than 11,000 Finnish employees revealed that those suffering from boreout showed higher levels of stresshealth problems and desire to leave their jobs.
Additionally, a 2021 Turkish study found that chronically bored workers also suffered from insomnia, headaches, and high levels of anxiety. Lack of interest in work can extend to the rest of the employee’s life, affecting their personal relationships and lowering their self-esteem.
For companies, the boreout represents a double challenge:
- Loss of productivity: Unmotivated workers resort to ‘cyberloafing’, surfing the Internet or distracting themselves instead of completing their tasks.
- High turnover: A bored workforce is less likely to engage with the organization, which increases recruiting and training costs.
What can we do to avoid boreout?
For employees, getting out of the boreout involves taking conscious measures. According to experts, some of the tips you can follow are:
- Search for challenges: Take the initiative to accept more complex or varied tasks. Even small improvements can restore interest.
- Review personal goals: Identify which elements of your current role may align with your professional or personal goals.
- Take care of personal well-being: Incorporate active breaks, mindfulness techniques and establish clear boundaries between work and personal life.
“Businesses have a key responsibility in preventing and addressing boreout,” says Harju, who recommends the following:
- Role redesign: Adjust tasks to include variety and learning opportunities.
- Recognition and assessment: Create a work culture where workers feel appreciated for their contributions.
- Development programs: Implement training plans that allow employees to grow within the organization.
According to experts, good communication is essential. When leaders explain how each task contributes to overall success, employees are more likely to find meaning in their work.
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