When working a 9 to 5, experiencing professional boredom is a normal phenomenon. So, it might not be such a big surprise that nearly 70% of employees in the US are disengaged at work. Now, there are several factors that can contribute to being bored at work.
Let’s examine the common factors that contribute to boredom at work before we assess what we can do about them.
Some Common Factors that Contribute to Boredom at Work
Some of the most common factors that might contribute to boredom at work include that you might have too much idle time. Of course, it is important to take breaks at work; however, when you are free, and you have nothing to do for an extensive period of time, then it can become a problem.
When you have too much idle time at your work, your mind can wander off and you might start thinking about what you will have for dinner, your relationship issues, and what your roommate said in the morning.
Another common factor in boredom at work is your interest, which might not sync with your work. Sometimes, we don’t realize what our true passion is until we join the wrong job. Perhaps you applied for the position because the salary was attractive. Maybe you were looking for an escape and wanted to immerse yourself in new surroundings.
We know that everyone has a set of strengths and weaknesses. Another reason why people feel bored at work is because they cannot utilize their capabilities to the fullest at their jobs. They might not find the tasks challenging or interesting enough to stimulate them mentally to the point that they might start to question whether the company values their skills.
If you have been doing the same task for a few years now, you have a valid reason to be bored. In this case, it is evident that your company is not allowing you enough space to grow and climb the ladder of success. Subsequently, you will feel bored to death and probably think about ways of escaping the situation in your mind.
Also, if you have countless goals to achieve in life, it can cause your mind to get distracted to the point that you might find it hard to focus on your assigned tasks as you are overly occupied with other aspects of life.
Tips to Combat Boredom at Work
Now that we know the potential reasons you might feel bored at work let’s explore some effective ways to overcome boredom.
Create Meaning in Your Work
The first thing you want to do is create meaning in your work. Everyone seeks meaningful things to do, especially at work, to the point where they might be ready to pay to create meaning in their workspace. If we look at things, it wouldn’t be wrong to state that meaningful work benefits both – the employees and the employer.
In fact, having a sense of purpose at work is essential for employee retention. Employees who find meaning at work are not only more productive but also enjoy a greater sense of satisfaction. When one seeks meaning at work, one can actively counteract boredom. In fact, when one finds meaning at work, they are more likely to remain stimulated and passionate about their work.
Learn a New Craft
Another method to beat boredom at work is by learning a new skill. You cannot learn a new skill until you step out of your comfort zone. Staying at a 9 to 5 is easy but it can get boring quickly when you have nothing new to offer. The only way you have something new to offer is by actively stepping out of your comfort zone and upgrading – not only at work but also in life.
So, here is what you will want to do: make a list of all the areas that you want to improve. For instance, if you are in the sales department, you might want to look for ways to improve your copywriting skills, especially when you approach prospects through emails.
You might want to enroll in creative writing classes and enhance your writing skills to get better at persuasive writing. Once you start leveling up in your professional and personal life, you will be able to use your newly learned skills at your job and in real-life situations.
However, it is important to mention here that skill development isn’t limited to your workplace alone. We believe that you will want to adopt a learner’s mindset all your life so that you can constantly progress not only at your workplace but also in your personal life.
You can integrate the same approach in life in various ways, such as starting a new hobby or a side business. For instance, if you enjoy being physically active, you might want to enroll in a fitness class or start training for a half marathon. You will reap countless benefits when you start developing skills that are outside your workplace.
Reach Out for Help
The worst thing that you can do is to isolate yourself at work. It is easy to isolate yourself at work when you feel bored; however, isolation can cause loads of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
You don’t necessarily have to cope with things alone. As a matter of fact, you can reach out to your trusted circle of friends and family. Having your support system by your side can help you get through the toughest phases of life, including boredom at work However, you can also talk to a professional coach to get a different perspective. More importantly, you can discuss your issues with your HR or your manager, who can sit down with you and help with reprioritizing your work while identifying new opportunities or challenging projects.
You might as well be able to seek growth opportunities within your family. Also, you can always lean on journaling so that you can write down everything that you feel during the day. This way, you can regain perspective and get hold of your emotions.
