The importance of addressing workplace stress and its impact on mental health has grown significantly for organisations. Many businesses now recognise the dangers of employee burnout and are actively seeking ways to address it. Another lesser-known issue that can lead to similar problems as burnout is boreout.

Burnout and boreout are two different things that can negatively impact people, especially in the workplace. We will take a closer look at each one and learn how to tackle them.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a syndrome that occurs as a result of chronic workplace stress that has not been effectively managed. It is characterised by three main dimensions:

1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
2. Increased mental distance from one’s job, often accompanied by feelings of negativity or cynicism.
3. Reduced professional efficacy.

What are the causes of burnout?

Work-related burnout can affect anyone at any point. Several factors contribute to burnout, including:

• High or excessive workloads
• Limited control over tasks and responsibilities
• Lack of recognition or rewards
• Absence of a supportive work community
• Poor communication and unclear expectations

It’s important to note that burnout is not classified as a medical condition but rather as an occupational phenomenon. While it can be triggered by workplace issues, it can also manifest in other areas of life such as parenting, caretaking, or relationships. Burnout typically arises when individuals feel they lack control over their job or when their tasks conflict with their self-perception.

What is boreout?

On the other hand, boreout is a psychological disorder resulting from a lack of mental stimulation at the workplace, leading to physical illness. It occurs when individuals experience underload due to inadequate quantitative or qualitative workload. One common reason for boreout is a mismatch between the initial job description and the actual tasks assigned. Boreout is characterised by dissatisfaction and demotivation stemming from boredom and a lack of challenge in the work environment. This concept can also extend beyond the workplace, such as in educational settings.

What are the causes of boreout?

Boreout is often seen as the opposite of burnout. The primary causes of boreout include:

• Mundane tasks
• Lack of challenge in the work
• Being overqualified for the role
• Limited responsibility
• Underutilisation of skills

Key differences between burnout and boreout

While both burnout and boreout are associated with workplace stress and dissatisfaction, their origins and characteristics differ:

• Burnout is typically caused by excessive work and an inability to cope with stress, resulting in exhaustion and demotivation.
• Boreout, on the other hand, arises from a lack of stimulating work, leading to feelings of boredom and under-stimulation.

How to tackle burnout and boreout in the workplace

Burnout and boreout, while seemingly opposite, can both significantly impact our well-being at work. Here’s how to combat them effectively:

Prioritise Self-Care

Make sure to take care of yourself by prioritising rest, nutrition, and exercise. Avoid the trap of presenteeism – working while sick does not benefit anyone. According to the CIPD, a significant portion of UK employees have worked while too unwell to perform their duties, even among remote workers. Taking time to rest when needed is crucial for overall well-being.

Time Management

Learn to say no if your workload becomes overwhelming, or conversely, discuss taking on more responsibilities if you’re feeling bored. Set clear boundaries and communicate them with your manager. Many people hesitate to raise concerns about burnout or boreout with their employers due to fear of a negative reaction. However, speaking with your manager about adjusting your workload or responsibilities can help alleviate these issues.

Additionally, consider utilising AI tools like ChatGPT to automate monotonous tasks and free up time for more engaging work.

Explore New Opportunities

If implementing these strategies doesn’t alleviate your burnout or boreout, it may be time to seek a new challenge. Finding satisfaction at work is essential for achieving your career goals. If your current workplace doesn’t prioritise employee well-being, consider exploring opportunities with employers who do.

In essence, burnout represents a state of “too much” – too much work, stress, and pressure, while boreout represents a state of “not enough” – not enough challenge, stimulation, and engagement. Both conditions can have significant impacts on mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of addressing and managing them effectively. If you’re experiencing symptoms of burnout or boreout, seeking support and implementing self-care strategies are crucial steps towards achieving well-being and balance in your life.