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Are you burnout or boreout?

Yang Ling
Published Date1 Month Ago

Companies are becoming more familiar of how workplace stress impacts employees' mental well-being. While burnout is widely recognised, a lesser-discussed phenomenon called "boreout" can also lead to similar problems. Organisations are proactively addressing these challenges to improve employee welfare.

The impact extends beyond individuals; it is permeating workplaces and will inevitably affect the economy as a whole. A recent study conducted by Mahidol University in Thailand found that burnout is affecting workers across various sectors. State enterprise employees experience the highest burnout rates at 77%, followed by those in the private sector (73%), government officials (58%), and business owners (48%). It serves as a wake-up call, not only for businesses but for society at large.

Recognising Burnout

Some of the common symptoms of burnout are:

  • Lack of confidence in your work
  • Struggling to start work
  • Feeling disconnected from colleagues and tasks
  • Losing patience with co-workers or clients
  • Experiencing low energy levels
  • Difficulty focusing on tasks
  • Lack of satisfaction from completed work

Any employee is prone to experience burnout. Some common contributing factors that lead to burnout are:

  • Heavy workloads
  • Limited control over tasks
  • Lack of recognition
  • Isolation from colleagues
  • Unclear communication and expectations
  • Lack of authority and delegation in senior roles

What is Boreout?

Boreout, in contrast to burnout, occurs when individuals face monotonous or unchallenging work. This results in outcomes similar to those seen in burnout. People experiencing boreout may feel underutilised, lacking motivation, and dissatisfied due to the absence of meaningful tasks and responsibilities. Thus, fatigue, dissatisfaction, and diminished self-esteem often follow. Common contributing factors to boreout include:

  • The absence of new tasks at work
  • Being overqualified for the position
  • Lack of responsibility and new challenges
  • Insufficient application of skillsets 
  • Lack of career progression

 

Strategies to Overcome Burnout and Boreout

  1. Set time aside for self-care: Taking care of yourself is crucial for overall well-being. Make sure you get enough rest, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity. Avoid the pitfall of presenteeism—working while unwell—since it ultimately harms your productivity. In the past year, 48.1 percent of support workers experienced presenteeism, which was linked to poor work performance. Remember that even remote workers can encounter presenteeism challenges, so prioritise your health and well-being
  2. Set firm boundaries: Open and effective communication with your manager is crucial. Clearly establish boundaries and express them openly. While it's natural to hesitate due to fear of a negative reaction, remember that bottling up concerns won't lead to positive outcomes. You're not alone—in Thailand, 53 percent of workers reported feeling unwell due to work-related stress. Engage in discussions with your manager about workload adjustments based on your specific situation. Transparency is essential for creating a healthy work environment.
  3. Effective Time Management: When faced with an overwhelming workload, don’t hesitate to decline additional tasks. Overcommitting can contribute to burnout. Conversely, if you find yourself bored due to repetitive tasks, explore the possibility of taking on more challenging responsibilities. Leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT can ease some of the monotony. Prioritise tasks that resonate with your abilities and interests, and maintain open communication with your team.
  4. Explore Fresh Opportunities: If the previously mentioned strategies does not improve your situation, it might be time for a new beginning. Prioritising job satisfaction is essential for professional growth. If your current workplace doesn’t prioritise employee well-being, consider seeking an employer who does. Remember that everyone deserves a fulfilling work experience and finding the right fit will strongly impact your overall well-being and success.

Both burnout and boreout can lead to negative mental health and job dissatisfaction. However, they stem from different causes. Burnout typically arises due to extra workload and stress, whereas boreout occurs when individuals lack engaging and meaningful tasks. It’s important to recognise the symptoms of both conditions and openly discuss any concerns with your employer.

 

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