Are you feeling exhausted but underwhelmed by work? This could be classic sign of boreout.
Boreout, as set out by the BBC, is chronic boredom – a phenomenon related to burnout. Most of us are familiar with burnout, which is linked to a lack of work-life balance and long hours, but ‘boreout’ is a phrase most of us are unfamiliar with.
What is boreout?
Boreout occurs when we find ourselves bored and under-stimulated by our work, to the point we find it pointless and lacking in value. Pablo Vandenabeele, clinical director for mental health at Bupa UK, explained to Stylist, “Experiencing boreout can not only affect your work performance but impact your day-to-day life and mental health,”
Signs include:
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Depression
This phenomenon often impacts people who feel underwhelmed by a repetitive workload, or if there is a lack of social interaction with work and colleagues.
Unlike burnout which can be easier to spot and is often related to highly rewarded standards such as working excessive hours and limitless drive, boreout can fly under the radar for some time. Employees who realise they are impacted, may keep silent because boredom can represent a possible lack of interest or motivation, and they worry this will not be looked upon favourably by their organisation.
How to tackle boreout as an employee
- Talk to someone at work. We’re not suggesting wading into work and telling your manager you’re bored straight off the bat, but you can ask for new tasks, additional responsibility and challenges. Perhaps you can ask to shadow someone from another team or department?
- Take on a hobby. Challenging yourself to taking on a new hobby can make a world of difference. Maybe you would like to attend a work out class, pursue a craft or take up gardening. Maybe you’d like to learn a new language at a local college, or try your hand a cake decorating lessons.
- Learn. Take some time to undertake some training. This could be via your work place or off your own back. Perhaps there is an area of your career which you would like to know more about or would be interested in moving toward in time. Discuss a career development plan with your team.
- Volunteering. Volunteering can give you a real sense of purpose and determination. Do you have a charity or sector you’re particularly passionate about? Are there any neighbourhood groups you can join?
- New direction. If you think boreout is seriously impacting you, it might be time to think about a new direction. This could be a new role, time out to travel, undertaking a programme of study, going freelance or a change of industry. Lotta Harju, an assistant professor of organisational behaviour at EM Lyon Business School, France, says “People learn different skills, gain perspective, venture out and start businesses. Boreout can mark a transition into something else: a different career entirely, or a different role in the organisation,” she says. “If people only take its cue.”
- Talk some more. Talk to your GP, friends and family about how you’re feeling. If you feel comfortable doing so, broach your feelings or any mental health issues with a colleague and find out if your workplace can offer support. You can speak to Mind and in a crisis the Samaritans are always there.
How to tackle boreout as an employer
- Training is important. Many of our clients give their team members access to personal development and training budgets which they can use themselves to stay current and evolve their skills. Something that goes down well is working out a career development plan with new starters and setting quarterly meetings to review those plans and help individuals push for growth and stimulation.
- Culture. Create an office culture which makes people feel valued. Additions such as wellbeing and fitness classes, social activities (even online) and inclusion events can build great colleague relationships and help employees feel appreciated.
- Discuss boredom and lack of motivation. Harju once again, says “we need a shift in thinking about employee wellbeing merely in terms of stress and burnout,” says Harju. “I do not mean that these are not important issues, but rather that they do not sufficiently represent the spectrum of human suffering at work. Bringing boreout into this discussion could thus broaden our understanding on what makes a good work life.” (BBC July 2021)
- Mental health first aiders. 1 in 4 people suffer from mental health issues each year in the UK and it’s so important for organisations to have trained mental health first aiders within their team.
If you feel you are experiencing boreout, do speak to your GP as they may be able to help you. Including identifying reasons you are feeling this way. You can also find help via NHS Every Mind Matters.