10 ways to address boreout among your employees

Much attention is given to the well-documented phenomenon of burnout. However, lurking in the shadows is the overlooked but equally detrimental issue of boreout.   

On more than one occasion, you may have noticed your employees staring blankly at their computer screens, looking exhausted and empty. This common phenomenon is known as boreout. 

As an employer or manager, it’s crucial to recognize signs of boreout and take proactive measures to address it. 

This article will serve as a brief guide to help you overcome boreout within your workforce. 

What is boreout?

Boreout is a psychological condition in which an employee feels chronic disengagement and lack of value at work. It can occur when the work is monotonous, uninteresting, or not interesting enough. 

As a result, the employee becomes demotivated, lacks creativity and productivity, and may suffer from depression, stress, and physical illness. 

Boreout differs from burnout, which is characterized by excessive stress and overwork. 

Still, it has a harmful effect on the individual employee’s mental and physical health. Over time, this can also impact the entire organization’s culture and productivity.  

Causes of boreout

Boreout can be caused by a variety of factors within the workplace. 

Here are some common causes of boreout:

• Insufficient workload – Having too little to do can be just as problematic as having too much, leading to idleness and unproductivity. 
• Monotonous work – Employees that continuously perform the same tasks without any variation can gain feelings of boredom and disengagement. 
• Poor management and communication – When there is a lack of effective communication between management and employees, work may not be clearly defined or aligned with employee skills and interests. 
• Lack of meaningful work – Tasks that seem trivial or disconnected from larger objectives or anything meaningful can lead to feelings of insignificance and boredom. 
• Lack of growth opportunities – A stagnant career path with no prospects for development or promotion can contribute to feelings of disengagement. 
• Underutilization of skills – People who feel their skills and talents are not being fully utilized may experience boreout.
• Inadequate work environment – Physical surroundings, social dynamics, and organizational culture that do not promote engagement and motivation can exacerbate feelings of boreout. 

How boreout affects the workplace

The impact of boreout in the workplace can be significant and detrimental to both the well-being of employees and the overall productivity of the organization. 

Some of the key consequences of boreout include:

• Reduced productivity – Employees experiencing boreout may have a significant decline in productivity as a result of chronic boredom and disengagement with their work. 
• Poor workplace morale – When a considerable number of employees experience boreout, it can negatively impact the overall morale of the workplace, creating a pervasive atmosphere of dissatisfaction and low energy. 
• Mental health challenges – Boreout can contribute to serious mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. This can also lead to poorer overall mental well-being within the workplace. 

• Higher absenteeism – Boreout may lead to increased absenteeism as employees may take more sick days or frequently arrive late and leave early as a way to escape the monotony.  
• Increased turnover rates – Workers who are consistently bored and dissatisfied are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. This can be costly due to the expenses associated with recruiting, hiring, and training new employees.
• Lower quality of work – When employees are bored and unchallenged, the quality of their work can suffer as they become careless, make more mistakes, and produce subpar results. 
• Reduced innovation and creativity – Those suffering from boreout may lack the motivation to think creatively or propose improvements, stifling the organization’s potential for growth. 
• Damage to company reputation – A company known for having a disengaged and dissatisfied workforce may struggle to attract top talent. Word-of-mouth and online reviews can shape public perception, making it harder to recruit skilled employees. 

Overall, the impact of boreout on the workplace can be far-reaching. It affects not only the individuals but also the organization as a whole. 

10 ways to overcome boreout

Employers play a crucial role in helping employees overcome boreout by creating a stimulating and supportive work environment. 

Here are several ways employers can effectively address boreout: 

1. Set goals and objectives 

Employees experiencing boreout can benefit from setting clear goals and objectives to increase motivation and engagement with their work. Setting achievable targets and deadlines can help create a sense of purpose in their tasks.

2. Increase variability 

Introduce tasks with greater variability to help combat monotony. You can give employees the opportunity to work on projects with varying complexity levels or perform different roles to expand their skill set. 

You can also implement job rotations and task diversification strategies so that employees can tackle different challenges periodically. 

3. Provide growth and development opportunities

Employees may experience boreout when they do not see opportunities for growth and development within their role. 

Offer clear pathways for career advancement, outlining potential courses and necessary skills. Provide mentoring and coaching for those seeking to move forward in their careers. 

4. Encourage collaboration and communication

Boreout can also be a result of isolation and lack of communication with colleagues. 

Employers can encourage collaboration through team-building exercises and regular check-ins. These will help employees feel more valued and connected to their work.

5. Reevaluate workload

When workload is insufficient, it may result in boreout. 

Ensure that employees’ skills and talents are fully utilized in their roles. This not only enhances job satisfaction but also contributes to organizational effectiveness. 

6. Promote autonomy and decision-making

Empower employees by giving them more autonomy over their work processes and decisions. This can increase engagement and motivation.

Delegate authority and encourage employees to take ownership of projects. Allow them to make decisions within their areas of responsibility, fostering a sense of accountability.

7. Recognize and reward

Reward and recognize staff members for their accomplishments and contributions. Recognition reinforces positive behavior and motivates employees to perform well.

Establish formal and informal recognition programs that highlight exceptional performance, innovative ideas, and dedication. Provide meaningful rewards such as bonuses, promotions, or public praise.

8. Conduct feedback and performance reviews

Provide constructive feedback and performance evaluations on a regular basis. Clear communication helps employees understand expectations and areas for improvement.

Schedule periodic one-on-one meetings to discuss goals, progress, and challenges. Offer actionable feedback that encourages professional development and alignment with organizational goals.

9. Create a positive work atmosphere 

Cultivate a workplace culture that values collaboration, creativity, and well-being. A positive environment can enhance job satisfaction and reduce feelings of boredom.

Foster open communication and teamwork within different teams and departments. Organize team-building activities, social events, and wellness programs to boost morale and create a supportive atmosphere.

10. Encourage work-life balance 

A work-life balance can help combat boreout by reducing stress and burnout. Employers can promote flexible work schedules, regular breaks, and vacation time to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Addressing boreout in the workplace is crucial for maintaining employee well-being and productivity. By recognizing its impact and implementing strategies to combat it, companies can foster a more engaging and dynamic work environment.