Boreout syndrome or boredom at work: tips to prevent it

Being in a job that does not meet the demands on a professional level is a demotivating situation. In this order of ideas, syndrome boreout represents a pattern of behavior in which the person does not take their job obligations seriously, because it does not consider it to be a real requirement.

Unlike the syndrome burnout, in which people become obsessed with their jobs, what happens to the boreout is that the position does not meet the expectations of the worker and ends up getting bored with their duties.

This syndrome affects the self-esteem of employees. It is also detrimental to the company that hires them. The employee does not feel well taken advantage of and the employer does not obtain a good performance from the hired person.

What are the causes of this syndrome?

The reasons why a worker may have the syndrome boreout they are diverse. Above all, it is common for it to appear when the employee is in a job that he needs, but does not like.

That is, you should try to keep your job, but you do not have the proper motivation to do so. Let's see a list with other possible causes:

• Carry out work that is below capabilities of the worker.
• See that the expectations placed on the position are not met.
• Information gaps regarding the functions of the position, lack of planning or levity in assigning tasks.
• Poor distribution when assigning tasks. For example, superiors keep stimulating roles, leaving others secondary tasks.
• Repetitive routines that produce monotony.
• Work systems in which bosses restrict the development of workers by not taking their needs and opinions into account.
• Inability for workers to get promotions labor or salary improvements.
• Lack of recognition from superiors.
• When it exists overqualification in jobs.

Many of these situations are everyday. In all jobs there is the possibility that workers present behaviors characteristic of this syndrome.

Sometimes employers don't understand the importance of staying motivated. When this happens, there is nothing that can be done extra to tend towards modification.

Read: What is the syndrome burnout and how to avoid it?

How does boreout syndrome manifest?

In 2009 the authors Peter R. Werder and Philippe Rothlin published a book entitled “The new labor syndrome boreout". In this publication they mention 3 main characteristics regarding the manifestation of behaviors: the infirmity, boredom and disinterest.

The authors point out that underemployment is one of the causes that can generate the syndrome of boreout. This makes sense, taking into account that when we feel wasted, discomfort manifests itself in one way or another.

Second, boredom is another of the relevant manifestations. Being bored at work may seem normal, but in reality it involves a flaw in the dynamics. In healthy conditions, an employee would have no reason to be bored, because he would be focused on finishing his day.

Finally, the authors indicate that lack of interest represents the clearest manifestation. This is that workers do not feel identified with their work functions and, for this reason, they do them in a monotonous way.

Consequences of boreout syndrome

Below we will review a list with some of the consequences that both workers and companies can experience. As we have mentioned, the boreout is a syndrome that affects both.

1. Increase in the level of fatigue

Fatigue is not only physical, but also mental. When employees are bored in their work, there is a significant psychological burnout.

Contrary to what some may think, rest is not always the best. In this sense, there needs to be a middle ground.

2. Conflicting labor relations

When workers are uncomfortable with their working hours, they will begin to display hostile behavior. Fundamentally, this is understood as a expected response to inappropriate work situations that promote a lack of enthusiasm.

3. Concentration problems

Concentration is a cognitive process that is related to levels of motivation. When a worker fails to motivate himself in regards to his job duties, he presents serious complications to stay focused on what he has to do.

4. Negative attitude towards the functions of the position

Even if a person likes their work, feeling that they are not valued enough produces significant discomfort. Over time, the feeling of being undervalued can become intense and cause the worker to develop negative attitudes towards their functions.

Find out: What are the effects of depression on work life?

Tips to prevent boreout syndrome

Some good ideas to avoid being a victim of this complex syndrome go through maintain adequate communication and motivation strategies. These should promote healthy understanding between workers and bosses.

Make communication a pillar

Assertive communication styles lead to other ways to prevent toxic work dynamics. The most important It will be to establish communication networks on the part of the workers towards the company.

Define the roles of workers clearly

The idea is that there is no room for uncertainty within the work environment. Likewise, the company must ensure that each of its employees are clear about their role.

Implement professional training programs

A good alternative to ensure adequate dynamics with workers is provide them with tools so they can acquire new skills. Companies that invest in the training of their workers tend to have a better work environment.

Include employees in decision making

The fact that employees feel taken into account by the company it is a protective factor against job demotivation. A good idea for the inclusion of all staff can be the application of surveys.

When should you change jobs?

In cases in which the motivation for work does not arrive in any way and we feel that nothing could change that situation, it is advisable to assist with a psychologist who can evaluate the problem.

Perhaps, a change of scenery is the best thing to do. Of course they are not decisions to be taken lightly, but it is convenient to meditate on them in advance to improve the quality of life.