Having a slow and boring work day is entirely normal and to be expected from time to time. But feeling chronically bored at work can be a problem for both your and your employer’s overall productivity and job satisfaction. 

What can you do if you are constantly bored at work? Let’s find out.

A Case of “Boreout” in the Workplace

“Boreout” is similar to its more famous cousin “burnout”— it’s a sociological condition in which we feel consistently and chronically bored in our daily lives. 

Boreout in the workplace affects both employers and employees alike. A recent study performed in Turkey found that employees who are chronically bored at work suffer from significantly higher levels of anxiety and stress. A similar study conducted by Udemy showed that bored employees are twice as likely to change professions or leave their current job, which is costly for companies. 

How to Fix Being Bored at Work

There are a few ways in which you personally can fight back against a continuing feeling of boredom in the workplace, without simply forcing yourself through the day.

Try to pinpoint the problem

Reflect on the why and when you’re feeling bored. Are there specific aspects of the job which exacerbate your feelings of boredom? Does your boss come into play? Are there aspects of your personal life influencing your feelings in the office? 

By identifying and articulating more specifically what it is that causes your boredom, you’ll be able to address it more effectively. 

Talk to your boss

While it might seem strange to approach your boss and tell them you’re bored at work, it might be one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the amount of boredom at work. 

Ask if there are any additional or more complex projects you can integrate into your daily work activities. By articulating your boreout and expressing that you are struggling to stay stimulated, you’re opening a line of communication with your employers and giving them an opportunity to resolve the issue. 

Look for professional growth opportunities

Look for any conferences, seminars or programmes in your area of expertise that would improve your professional development. Updating your knowledge on industry standards, creating network opportunities, and finding potential clients are just some of the many benefits of attending professional development events.

Furthering your education with a professional certificate or a diploma is another great way to stay stimulated and engaged with your career. EDHEC’s online programmes provide you with the opportunity to acquire new skills in management, finance, data or international business and can prepare you for an eventual promotion to a managerial position within your department. 

Many companies set aside a certain amount of annual funding for career development activities, so don’t forget to talk to your HR department and see if they’ll provide any opportunities.

Cut back on unnecessary meetings

One of the main drivers for wasted time in the office is undoubtedly an overload of repetitive or gratuitous meetings. Not only are long meetings frustrating in general, but wasting time in a meeting in which you feel you aren’t needed is the epitome of feeling bored at work. 

Try to cut back on repetitive or unneeded meetings, opting instead for email updates. When a live meeting can’t be avoided, try to keep things dynamic and collaborative. 

Start seeking opportunities elsewhere

If none of the above strategies are working, it could be that it’s time to move on from your current place of work. An environment that causes boreout is ultimately detrimental to your professional and personal well-being. If multiple attempts to create stimulation in your environment go unheeded by your co-workers and employers, it could be a sign that you have gained all you can from your current position. 

The best time to look for a job is when you already have one, so if you decide to look for new opportunities, be sure to look into positions that offer engaging challenges that your current position doesn’t.

At the End of the Day, it’s About Your Employer as Much as it is About You

Only a company with high professional values that cares about the long-term well-being of their employees will invest in changing your working environment. Being bored at work is an under-studied and under-discussed issue which many employers aren’t fully aware of. Yet, it affects much of the modern workforce, and between 43 to 53 percent of workers are currently affected by it.

A company that is invested in your professional satisfaction will be open to helping you make changes in your routine, and support you in creating a more engaging, long-lasting work environment. If not, it might just be time to find an employer who will!