Boreout is the silent opposite of burnout: it is not work excess but absence of meaning and challenge. It is characterized by three dimensions (Rothlin & Werder): boredom, disinterest, and under-performance. People with boreout are usually physically at work but mentally absent, and they disguise it with the appearance of activity (long meetings, unnecessary emails). It is more prevalent in high-autonomy, low-demand positions.
Concept origin
Rothlin P, Werder P. (2008). Diagnose Boreout: Warum Unterforderung im Job krank macht. Redline Wirtschaft. (Test instrument PsycTESTS Job Boreout Model 2020 available at doi:10.1037/t79776-000)
How it manifests
- ▸ Persistent feeling of "I have nothing important to do"
- ▸ Search for distractions (social media, long coffee, conversations) to fill time
- ▸ Fatigue similar to burnout but from boredom, not excess
Therapeutic approach
The approach requires identifying the cause: is it the role (not challenging enough) or the person (disconnection from their life project)? If the role, conversation with the boss about redesign. If the person, work on values and life project with CBT or coaching. Medication does NOT apply.
Related concepts
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