Here’s Why Your Burnout May Have Nothing To Do With Being Overworked
When we think of burnout, we typically think about being overworked and spread thin. You likely picture a working professional at a desk with their head in their hands because they’re so overwhelmed. But, another type of burnout exists at the opposite end of the spectrum: burnout caused by boredom.
According to the Harvard Business Review, there are three types of burnout: overload, under-challenged, and neglect burnout. Under-challenged burnout, or “boreout,” comes up for professionals when they are bored or understimulated by their jobs. In turn, professionals may feel underappreciated and frustrated, leading to a lack of motivation.
When Burnout Is Really ‘Boreout’
Boreout is often overlooked because it doesn’t align with the conventional image of stress and hustle in the workplace. However, under-challenged burnout can be just as detrimental to mental health and job performance. It’s a state where monotony drains enthusiasm, and repetitive tasks become mentally exhausting, leaving employees disengaged and unfulfilled. Over time, it can erode motivation and job satisfaction, leading professionals to cope through distraction, dissociation, or thought suppression.
If you’re struggling with boreout at work, you’re not alone. Here’s how you can combat under-challenged burnout at work:
How To Combat Boreout In The Workplace
When boreout sets in, it’s easy to feel stuck – but, there are ways to regain your sense of fulfillment and purpose at work. It all begins by advocating for yourself. Dr. Masi Njawaya, a burnout prevention and health coach, suggests speaking up first and foremost. “Talk to your boss about taking on more challenging projects or tasks,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.
She also suggests focusing on things you can control, such as learning new skills, connecting with colleagues, and exploring new opportunities for professional development. Taking on new projects outside of work or attending a professional conference may reignite your passion in ways you could’ve never imagined.
Kelsea Warren, a workplace well-being coach, suggests considering the following three questions if you’re feeling bored at work: Is the boredom just a season? Are there other opportunities within my organization to use my strengths? Does this role align with my workplace values?
Reflecting on your answers to these three questions may provide the necessary insight as to your next move.
When To Quit Due To Boreout
“If you really value things like productivity, efficiency, and being valued at work utilizing your strengths, this is a values misalignment and it could be contributing to burnout,” Warren added in a TikTok post.
So, that brings up the burning question: How do you know when it’s time to quit your job because of boreout? Some jobs are simply not going to be stimulating to you. Lotta Harju, an assistant professor of organizational behavior touched on this with the BBC. “But even though the work itself would not be all that exciting, other aspects of work, such as having good relationships at the workplace or feeling appreciated by the employer, can to some extent compensate for and bring meaning to tedious work,”
Quitting isn’t an easy decision, especially when you’ve invested time and energy into a role. But, it’s important to consider your overall well-being and long-term career satisfaction. If you’ve tried seeking out new challenges, discussed your concerns with your supervisor, and still feel unappreciated or uninspired, it could be a sign that the role simply isn’t a good fit.
How Can Management And Leaders Help Fight Boreout?
Management plays a crucial role in preventing and addressing boreout among employees. After all, giving meaning to the job is not just up to employees. Still, there’s a huge disconnect between managers’ perceptions and the way employees feel. “It’s up to management to create an office culture that makes people feel valuable. Make minor changes to the job or tasks. Whatever makes work boring, make it enjoyable. Organizations need to learn what boreout is and have resources available,” Fahri Ozsungur, an associate professor of economics who was behind the 2021 study on the health effects of boreout, told BBC.
For example, a recent survey from Wiley Workplace Intelligence reported that 90% of people managers agree that they ensure direct reports are adequately challenged. Meanwhile, only 33% of direct reports said they feel challenged with their assigned work most of the time.
