Contrary to popular views, boredom at jobs is a thing, and it happens to even the most dedicated employers out there. Turning up at work every day to handle the same set of tasks the same way and with the same people can get tiring. Most times, you get so used to the system that you already know what will happen and how it will happen before it even happens.
When Comparably asked about 21,000 employees in the United States the leading source of stress and boredom in their jobs, the most common answers included long, uncomfortable commutes, extended job hours, unfriendly superiors, and difficult coworkers. Gallup also reported that 66% of US employees are disengaged at work, and 85% of workers worldwide feel the same way.
So, if you are dealing with the boring job syndrome, you are definitely not alone. That is why our HR experts at Flexible Staffing came up with this blog to help you find interest, purpose, and meaning in your boring jobs. So, let’s get to it!
If the job is boring, you will find yourself stealing glances at the clock every now and then. You want the day to be over already so you can leave this miserable part of your life. But that hardly helps; in fact, it slows down the time. How about you find a way to get the clocks off your sight? Keep them somewhere far and focus on the tasks at hand.
You need something to rekindle your passion and interest at work. And what better way to do that than to get ambitious? Taking on new and exciting challenges will remove boredom from the situation. The first step is to find out the most boring tasks. Then, see if you can convince your bosses to put you on new and interesting projects. The goal is to do something new, which develops you personally and allows you to contribute effectively.
3. Never miss your breaks.Yes, it is more convenient to eat at your desk. But skipping these breaks is draining you in ways you cannot imagine. The importance of regular breaks at work cannot be overemphasized. It keeps your mental health and productivity at optimal levels while helping you relieve boredom. Whether you are taking a long break for lunch or shorter breaks for a stroll, changing your environment or doing something relaxing for a short period can reset your focus and replenish your energy.
We are more affected by what we see than we think—seeing the same setup every day can be counterproductive, especially if the space has little or no personal touch. Revamping your workspace may return that spark into your work life. Assess your workspace and see how you can infuse a few personal touches. For example, you can bring in a few private photos or art you love. Plants can also help you feel better, alongside funny notes and colorful stationery. Remember, the goal is to feel at home and keep you focused.
Switching departments allows you to try something new. If you have always admired a department in your organization from afar, you can discuss with your bosses to work out a switch. First, however, you must ensure that your skills and experience will come in handy in the new department. Alternatively, you can look out for internal job vacancies and apply, especially in large companies.
Boring jobs and the work environment are inseparable. If the boredom keeps striking you at work, you can consider working from home for some time to see if anything changes. While a complete switch may be impossible, you can ask to work remotely on some days. It is important to note that working remotely doesn’t automatically fix the issue. And if and when it does, it also has its downsides. But working from home or in public spaces like a coffee shop can boost your productivity and eliminate boredom.
You can easily eliminate boredom if you apply all the tips we have recommended above. However, if there are no signs of improvement after a while, you may consider the last resort – looking for a new job. If you are going down this road, feel free to check out our job portal for the best openings at the moment.
You can also check out our helpful resources on job search or reach out to our HR experts for professional help. We are all about helping you find happiness in the form of your dream jobs.