Coping with boreout syndrome at work

In the fast-paced world of modern work, we often hear about burnout syndrome —a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It is a topic which has been discussed a lot in the recent couple of years. Which is good as it has been a tabu topic for too long. In recent years we have heart more about burnout.

However, there is another phenomenon that is gaining recognition: boreout syndrome – to be fatally bored at the working place.

What is Boreout Syndrome?

Less known but as impacting as burnout is the boreout syndrome. It is a psychological condition that arises when individuals feel unchallenged or unfulfilled in their workplace roles. It is characterized by a lack of stimulating tasks, leading to feelings of frustration, restlessness, and a profound sense of emptiness. Unlike burnout, which is caused by an overwhelming workload and stress, boreout is rooted in under-stimulation and monotony. This condition, characterized by chronic boredom and disengagement at work, can have serious implications for both employees and organizations. The syndrome was named as this in the year 2007 by P. Werder and P. Rothlin (both from Switzerland) who published the title “Diagnose Boreout”. It had earlier been published about under the name "underchallenged burnout" by American teacher Barry A. Farber in 1991.

Symptoms of Boreout Syndrome

The symptoms of boreout can manifest in various ways, affecting both mental and physical health. Common indicators include persistent boredom, decreased productivity, mental fatigue, frustration and withdrawal from social interactions, and finally manifesting themselves in physical symptoms such as headaches, physical fatigue or other stress-related issues.

Additionally, it is a taboo to mention that you feel underchallenged by the task. It comes across as arrogant to many people, which promotes social isolation. What's more, many superiors come up with the idea of giving the person even more work, as they describe themselves as being underchallenged and therefore able to do more work. The fact that this misses the point and the problem is not seen or is ignored. This is because boreout is not about the amount of work, but about the quality of the tasks to be completed.

What is the reason for a boreout?

One reason for boreout could be that the initial job description does not match the actual work.

Several factors can contribute to the development of boreout syndrome:

The most impacting one are monotonous tasks which are repetitive and low-challenging. Then the lack of growth opportunities in a workplace that does not provide avenues for professional development can also foster feelings of stagnation.

Ineffective leadership that fails to recognize employee potential or does not encourage engagement can exacerbate feelings of boredom. When employees' skills and passions do not align with their job responsibilities, they may feel underutilized.

How to overcome boreout?

The first thing which comes to mind when being asked the question how to get out of a boreout situation is commonly: „Change the job!“ Well, easier said than done. Social media often makes us think that anyone who tries can achieve what they want. But it's not always so easy to “just quit your job” and then find the job of your dreams, become self-employed and just live free on the beach and all your dreams come true. It's not as simple as writing a resignation letter and taking it all.

Well, that might be possible for some people. Especially the still very young people who don't have responsibilities for other people, or relatives to care for, or children, or are just paying off their loan. For these people, it's not just a question of dropping everything and finally realizing the dream. The labour market in the country where you live also plays a major role. Unfortunately, “just” having good qualifications and professional experience is often not enough. And so it's often not easy to get out of the hamster wheel of a job and boreout.

Some strategies to help you overcome boreout could be:

Reflect on your feelings and identify the root causes of your boreout. Is it a lack of challenging tasks, insufficient interaction with colleagues, or unclear job expectations?

Set Personal Goals:

Establish short-term and long-term goals for yourself to create a sense of purpose. These can be related to skill development, project completion, or personal growth.

Instead of quitting your job, seek new challenges by having a talk to your supervisor about taking on more challenging projects or responsibilities. Express your desire for growth and development within your role. If this is not being wanted or not possible put your energy in searching for a new job with caution and time while you still have your „boredom job“ which fills your refrigerator ( = pays for your expenses).

To make yourself a more attractive applicant on the labour market, revise your skill set and if necessary expand it by taking courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications that relate to your field or interests. This can reignite your passion for your work and open up new opportunities.

Expand your network by attending industry events, or join professional groups. Building connections can provide new perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.

Ensure you have a healthy work-life balance. Engage in hobbies and activities outside of work that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Professional help: Consider to be guided in this crucial phase by a personal coach who is on your side for mental coaching and experienced in the labour market as well. This can give you a good guideline and stability in a confidential atmosphere to get you over this hard time.

Remember that overcoming boreout takes time and proactive effort. By taking steps to engage more fully with your work and environment, you can find renewed purpose and satisfaction in your professional life.

Conclusion

Boreout syndrome is a growing concern in today’s work culture, often overshadowed by the more widely recognized burnout. Recognizing the signs of boreout and taking proactive steps to address it can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce. By fostering an environment that values growth, communication, and employee well-being, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with boreout and create a healthier, more dynamic workplace for everyone.

I regularly publish articles on the topics of ‘living abroad’, ‘living in Germany’, and ‘expatriates’. If you would like to be coached on your individual path to make this phase in your life easier, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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