Boreout: The Syndrome of Emotional Exhaustion at Work That Affects Women the Most

Boreout, a lesser-known phenomenon compared to burnout, disproportionately affects women and is characterized by deep emotional exhaustion and a sense of extreme boredom. This syndrome, which is becoming increasingly common in modern workplaces, is linked to a lack of stimulation and stagnation in one’s job. Often, those suffering from boreout are unaware of it until their mental and emotional well-being is severely impacted.

Silent quitting, a recent trend where employees choose to do the bare minimum at their jobs, often stems from boreout. This phenomenon has triggered a wave of job changes and resignations, influencing the dynamics in many companies. The demotivation and boredom lead workers to “run on autopilot,” performing only what is necessary without the commitment they would otherwise bring to their roles. It is a subtle, yet corrosive form of discomfort that deeply affects productivity and personal satisfaction.

In fact, psychologist Adam Grant, in his book Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Great Things (2024), describes this state as a form of “languishing,” a concept that refers to a kind of emotional void. People who languish do not lack the energy to complete their tasks, but they do lack focus and motivation. It’s a kind of soul fatigue where work becomes an endless series of tasks devoid of meaning or purpose.

From my perspective, boreout is one of the great labor challenges of our era, reflecting the lack of purpose and connection many people feel in their careers. Instead of facing an overload of tasks (as with burnout), those with boreout suffer from the underuse of their skills. They face stifling monotony, which may seem more tolerable than stress, but is equally damaging in the long run.

Boreout vs. Burnout

While boreout and burnout share similarities in terms of their impact on emotional well-being, their causes are opposite. Burnout results from excessive work, a buildup of demands that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion. Boreout, on the other hand, originates from a lack of stimulation. It is a syndrome that arises when work becomes boring and monotonous, and a person feels that their skills are underutilized. This distinction is key to understanding why boreout can be so frustrating: while burnout is visible through physical exhaustion, boreout is an internal emptiness that gradually settles in.

Workplace Boredom and Its Impact on Mental Health

The term boreout was coined by Swiss authors Philippe Rothlin and Peter R. Werder in 2007. It is a type of exhaustion not caused by overwork, but by monotony, the lack of challenges, and the absence of a clear purpose. The repetition of tasks that feel meaningless leads workers to lose motivation, falling into a state of extreme boredom. Recent studies, including one conducted in France, reveal that more than 60% of employees experience boreout, and 65% of them are women. This raises interesting questions about gender dynamics in the workplace and how women, in particular, face less stimulating roles and limited growth opportunities.

In Spain, the Cigna 360-Vitality study of 2023 indicates that around 20% of employees doubt the value and impact of their work. This chronic boredom manifests in symptoms that affect both professional and personal life: constant mental fatigue, irritability, lack of focus, social isolation, and, in more severe cases, profound indifference towards work and everyday life.

Boreout Symptoms

Recognizing boreout is essential to preventing its long-term effects. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

1. Procrastination: Tasks that used to be easy are now left until the last minute. Even though the workload isn’t overwhelming, a lack of interest causes delays, leading to sadness and, in some cases, depression.
2. Mental fatigue: Emotional exhaustion and a lack of motivation translate into constant feelings of tiredness. The inability to explain this situation to superiors increases anxiety and stress.
3. Lack of motivation and commitment: The daily routine becomes an unbearable burden. Work hours feel endless, and meetings feel empty, where the person doesn’t feel they can contribute anything of value.

Causes of Boreout and Possible Solutions

The causes of boreout are varied, but here are two of the most common:

1. The monotonous nature of the job: Some jobs, such as reviewing reports or performing repetitive tasks, can be inherently boring. The lack of challenges and variety turns work into a tedious routine.
   • Solution: Find purpose in your work. While the task itself may be boring, it’s important to identify the broader impact it has. As Meik Wiking, an expert on workplace happiness, points out, “Don’t just ask yourself what you work on, but why you work.” This approach can help bring a deeper sense of meaning to what you do.
2. Lack of recognition: The work isn’t valued by the company or colleagues, further demotivating the worker. Without recognition or stimulation, the sense of responsibility diminishes.
   • Solution: Be open about your situation with your manager. While admitting boredom can be frightening, change can only happen if the issue is addressed. Managers can make adjustments to tasks and roles and redesign the work structure to make it more engaging and challenging.

How to Enjoy a Boring Job

While changing the nature of the job may not always be in your control, there are strategies to make it more bearable:

1. Flexibility: Change your environment; work from home if possible, or modify your schedule to make your day more dynamic.
2. Variety: Alternate between tasks to avoid monotony. Organize your day in a way that you don’t spend too much time on a single activity.
3. Collaboration: Working in a team can make tasks more interesting and rewarding.
4. Regular breaks: Schedule mental breaks throughout the day. Short breaks can help clear your mind and renew your energy.

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