Bore-out: when workplace boredom becomes a mental health condition
4 min read
Sofia veil
Anxiety
Burnout
Depression
Bore-out is a term used to describe a mental health condition caused by extended periods of boredom and a lack of stimulation in the workplace. It's a relatively new concept that has emerged in recent years as more individuals experience professional burnout and other work-related stress.
Statistics
According to a study conducted by the International Labour Organization, an ONU specialized agency based in Switzerland, over 30% of employees in Europe and the United States experience workplace boredom, with many reporting feelings of demotivation, disillusionment, and even depression. Another survey* by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that over 13% of employees in Germany suffer from chronic workplace boredom.
When does It occur?
Bore-out typically arises when an employee is given tasks below their skill level or when assigned repetitive and uninspiring tasks. It can also happen when an employee lacks sufficient work, resulting in excess free time.
Common factors:
- Lack or absence of meaningful work,
- Repetitive and dull tasks,
- Holding a position for which one is overqualified,
- Working in a role lacking clear purpose or defined missions,
- Stagnation of skills over time without access to training for new abilities,
- Feeling sidelined or being relegated to a secondary role.
Symptoms of bore-out
Bore-out can manifest in various ways:
- Persistent workplace boredom, day after day,
- Self-doubt and a sense of undervaluation,
- Leaving work early regularly,
- A reluctance to go to work due to a lack of professional fulfillment and fear of inactivity,
- Purposefully slowing down work to have tasks throughout the day,
- Notable fatigue by the end of the day.
Risks
Like burnout, bore-out can have severe negative consequences on both mental and physical health. It can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression, along with physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and fatigue. Over time, it may also result in a loss of self-esteem and a feeling of purposelessness, which can be challenging to overcome.
How to avoid it?
Several strategies can help prevent bore-out, including:
- Reflection: regular self-reflection on one's state at work,
- Communication: open dialogue with superiors to discuss advancement opportunities,
- Adaptation: seeking opportunities to make work more engaging, like taking on new responsibilities or projects,
- Training: continuously improving or acquiring skills for potential role transitions or new projects.
How to heal?
For those already experiencing bore-out, several steps can be taken to address the issue, such as:
- Seeking professional help: considering consulting a mental health professional if you...