Although boreout and burnout seem like opposite problems, both negatively affect the health of employees.
While workplace stress and overload dominate headlines in the business world, a more subtle threat is affecting employee productivity and well-being: “boreout syndrome”. This issue arises when tasks lack meaning and challenge for employees, leading to apathy and mental exhaustion.
Ignoring this phenomenon could lead to demotivation and poor performance.
Recent data shows that more than 86% of HR experts report noticing that employees 'bore' easily with their tasks, which they consider to be below their skill level, impacting their performance.
Although “boreout” and “burnout” may seem like opposite problems, both negatively affect employee health. The former leads to disinterest and a sense of uselessness, while the latter stems from work overload. In both cases, companies face serious consequences in terms of productivity, workplace atmosphere, and high employee turnover.
Triggers of Boreout
One of the main factors is the culture of presenteeism, which values physical presence over actual productivity. This habit forces employees to "be there just to be there" and to pretend they're working, which generates stress and discomfort. Another common factor is the improper assignment of tasks and roles, where employees' talents are underutilized, leaving them with monotonous and undemanding functions.
Unequal distribution of responsibilities also plays a crucial role. When interesting tasks always fall on the same people while the more tedious ones are assigned to others, it creates an unequal and demotivating work environment. Furthermore, poor supervision can exacerbate the problem by failing to provide spaces for communication to assess performance and adjust roles as needed.
How to fight Boreout
- Task Rotation Projects: Companies like Google implement periodic role rotations, allowing teams to experience different functions and acquire new skills. This not only combats boredom but also fosters a continuous learning environment.
- Internal Innovation Programs: Organizations like 3M have created spaces where employees can work on personal projects or innovations, dedicating a portion of their time to creativity. This allows them to explore their interests and skills beyond their usual tasks.
- Interdisciplinary Teams: Companies like Airbnb encourage the creation of teams with diverse skill sets to work on projects, helping to maintain freshness and interest in the tasks assigned.
Boreout syndrome is more than just simple boredom at work; it is a serious threat to both employee well-being and organizational success. Preventing it requires well-defined strategies and leadership focused on human development. Only with a genuine commitment to creating a meaningful and stimulating work environment can this silent enemy be overcome, safeguarding both talent and the organization as a whole.
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