The toll of boredom in the workplace: how to recognize and overcome bore-out
We've all heard of burnout, but have you heard of the phenomenon of bore-out? Although the symptoms may be similar, the cause lies elsewhere. Unlike burnout, which is centered around stress and work pressure, bore-out is caused by a lack of challenge or a monotonous work environment. Bore-out can have detrimental consequences for both employees and employers. Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters gives some tips on how to tackle this problem and prevent bore-out.
Bore-out occurs when employees do not feel sufficiently stimulated or challenged at work. The risk is that they lose interest, become demotivated and even suffer stress or panic attacks due to boredom. Although boredom may seem harmless, persistent bore-out can have serious consequences for employees' well-being.
Possible dangers
The consequences of bore-out are often underestimated, partly because employees are reluctant to talk about it. It can feel uncomfortable to admit that you are bored at work and therefore feel stressed. However, keeping this problem to yourself can only make it worse. For companies, employee bore-out also carries risks. Too little challenge in a company can lead to a higher turnover rate, a negative impact on the working atmosphere and a bad reputation among potential new employees.
Who is susceptible to bore-out?
Not everyone is equally susceptible to bore-out, but employees with low self-esteem are more at risk. People with low self-esteem often tend to remain passive and become less active when their work no longer motivates them. They stay in the same situation because they doubt themselves and find it difficult to embrace change. Even employees with more self-confidence can be at risk, especially as bore-out is not always recognized as a serious problem.
How can you prevent bore-out?
Are you finding that your work is not challenging enough and that you are not getting enough energy and satisfaction from it? If so, you shouldn't wait too long to look for a new challenge. Here are some steps that can help you overcome a bore-out:
- Recognize the problem: Admit that you are unhappy with your current situation. By acknowledging the problem, you are taking the first step towards change.
- Talk about it: Discuss your feelings with someone you trust, e.g. a family member or colleague. When you talk about it, the problem becomes more tangible and you can explore possible solutions.
- Strengthen your self-confidence: If you're not ready to tell your employer yet, try to boost your confidence by exercising or learning new things. This can give you a mental boost.
- Take the plunge into self-employment: Sometimes it is necessary to leave your comfort zone and look for a new challenge. A new job can give you new energy and drastically reduce the risk of boredom. The satisfaction and enthusiasm for your work will come as soon as you have found a job that suits you.
If you follow these steps, you can prevent boreout from having a negative impact on your work and well-being. Recognize the problem, take action and choose a job that motivates and challenges you.
Source: www.robertwalters.ch
