You’ve heard of burnout—too much to do, not enough time, total overwhelm. But what about boreout?
It’s a real thing. And it’s not about being too busy—it’s about being too bored. No challenge. No purpose. No growth. Just… meh.
And with employee engagement at an 11-year low, this isn’t just a vibe shift—it’s a warning sign.
So what causes boreout?
- Outdated, cookie-cutter learning programs
- Feeling excluded from growth opportunities
- Inefficient systems that make getting info harder than it needs to be
- Leaders who assume silence means satisfaction
Spoiler: it doesn’t.
If you’re a manager or leader, here’s what to watch for—and what to do:
1. Ask Better Questions
Try:
- “What feels too easy right now?”
- “Where do you want to grow?”
- “If you could lead something new, what would it be?”
2. Customize Growth
Not everyone wants a webinar or course. Some want mentorship, side projects, or a chance to experiment. Ask and adapt.
3. Notice the Quiet Ones
High performers often won’t complain—they’ll just disengage. Keep an eye out. Stretch them. Challenge them. Remind them their spark matters.
4. Connect to Meaning
People stay when their work matters. Help them see the bigger picture, not just the task list.
If you want to keep your team engaged, don’t just guard against burnout—watch for boreout, too.
It’s not about piling on more work. It’s about creating more meaning. Want help figuring out how? Let’s chat.