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Are you burnout or boreout?

Yang Ling
Published Date8 Months Ago

Organisations are increasingly recognising the impact of workplace stress on employees’ mental health. While burnout is well-known, a lesser-discussed issue called “boreout” can also lead to similar problems. Businesses are actively addressing these challenges to promote employee well-being.

Work-related burnout occurs when individuals experience chronic stress, leading to exhaustion. If left unaddressed, it can have adverse effects on mental well-being. In a recent survey conducted by a human resource solutions provider, 58% of employees indicated that they experience burnout, while 51% reported having an average or poor work-life balance. The Employee Wellness Report, which surveyed over 1,000 Malaysian employees, revealed these findings. Datuk Dr. Andrew Mohanraj, the president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association and a consultant psychiatrist, suggested that providing mental health days off would be advantageous for both employees and employers.

Understanding Burnout

Some of the common symptoms of burnout are:

  • Doubting the value of 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

Recognising Boreout

On the other end of the spectrum from burnout, boreout occurs when individuals experience a lack of stimulating or challenging work, resulting in outcomes similar to those seen in burnout. In boreout, people may feel underworked, unmotivated, and dissatisfied due to the absence of meaningful tasks and responsibilities. This often results in fatigue, dissatisfaction, or low self-esteem.

Some of the common contributing factors that lead to boreout are:

  • 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

 
 

Combating Burnout and Boreout

 

1. Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is essential for maintaining well-being. Ensure you get adequate rest, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in regular exercise. Avoid the trap of presenteeism—working while sick—since it doesn’t benefit you in the long run. An astounding 90% of Malaysian employees face nutritional risk, and an additional 53% are susceptible to mental health issues. These health-related difficulties significantly impact workplace productivity. Specifically, employees in Malaysia lose around 25.7% of their working hours, equivalent to 67 days per year, due to absenteeism or presenteeism resulting from poor health. It’s crucial to recognize that remote workers also face presenteeism challenges, so prioritize your health and well-being.

2. Set Clear Boundaries: Effective communication with your manager is key. Set clear boundaries and express them openly. It’s common to hesitate due to fear of a negative reaction but bottling up concerns won’t help. In 2019, a study revealed that 56.7% of Malaysian workers experienced physical and emotional distress attributed to work-related stress.Top of FormBottom of Form Discuss workload adjustments with your manager based on your situation. Transparency is essential for fostering a healthy work environment.

3. Mastering Time Management: Learn to say no when the workload becomes overwhelming. Overcommitting can lead to burnout. Conversely, if boredom sets in due to monotonous tasks, consider discussing taking on more responsibilities. The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT can help alleviate some of the repetitive workload. Prioritize tasks that align with your skills and interests and communicate openly with your team.

4. Explore New Opportunities: If the strategies above don’t improve your situation, it may be time for a change. Feeling satisfied at work is crucial for career growth. If your current workplace doesn’t foster a culture where well-being is high on the agenda, consider seeking an employer who prioritises employee health and happiness. Remember, you deserve a fulfilling work experience, and finding the right fit is essential for your success and overall well-being.

Burnout and boreout can both result in poor mental health and dissatisfaction at work. However, they stem from opposite causes. Burnout often arises from excessive workload and stress, while boreout is more likely when one lacks meaningful tasks and responsibilities. It’s essential to recognise the symptoms of both and communicate any concerns with your employer if you experience either condition. 

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