Burn-out & Bore-out: how to recognize and prevent
Burn-out & Bore-out: symptoms & preventing
But what is it?
The media has been using the terms burn-out and bore-out more frequently in recent years. Burn-out is a syndrome involving both psychological and physical symptoms. It is usually caused by too much stress at work, people no longer have a sense of rest.
Research from Securex shows that since COVID-19, 60% more people are at risk of burn-out. Bore-out is the opposite. The word really says it all, people are bored in terms of work. People with bore-out do not get enough stimuli and challenges at work which makes them bored. They find their jobs meaningless and pointless. According to research, also by Securex, 5% of employees are at risk of experiencing this.
Symptoms of Burn-out
Burn-out is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged periods of stress or excessive workload. It is a growing concern in today’s fast-paced work environment, where individuals may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with the demands of their job. Symptoms of burn-out are:
- Fatigue
- No energy
- No motivation
- Concentration problems
- Frustrated
- Headache
Symptoms of Bore-out
Bore-out is a condition that can result from a lack of meaningful work or challenges in the workplace. People experiencing bore-out may feel unchallenged, unstimulated, and ultimately disengaged from their job. Common symptoms of bore-out are:
- Feeling useless
- Doubts about own abilities
- Feeling stressed
- Drop in self-confidence
How to prevent a Burn-out?
As an employee, there are several things that can be done to prevent burn-out:
1. First, engaging in open communication with both employers and colleagues is important. By expressing your feelings, you provide your employer with a clear understanding of your situation. This can help them better support you.
2. Also, reaching out to your colleagues for help and support with tasks can help lighten the load and minimize stress.
3. Furthermore, it is crucial to schedule regular breaks to prevent burn-out. When work becomes overwhelming, stepping away from the desk and taking a walk can be beneficial for productivity and overall well-being. By taking a brief pause and clearing your mind, you can return to work with renewed focus and energy.
As an employer, it is essential to recognize the impact of burn-out on employees and take proactive steps to address it:
1. Recognizing and celebrating employees’ achievements
2. Providing constructive feedback
3. Expressing appreciation for their work
These are simple yet powerful ways to boost employee morale and self-esteem. In addition, organize an occasional mindfulness workshop so employees can unwind.
Furthermore, it is essential to evaluate and adjust workloads regularly. During these conversations, it is important to adapt to each individual (their strengths and preferences), so treat everyone in an individualized way. To make this easier, a team management software can be used for this purpose.
How to prevent a Bore-out?
If you are experiencing feelings of boredom and unproductivity in your job, it is possible that you may be on the verge of experiencing a bore-out. To prevent this, there are steps that can be taken both in your personal and professional life.
1. In your personal life, consider taking on new challenges or hobbies that can break the monotony of your daily routine. This can help you achieve a better balance between the challenges you face in your personal life and those in your work life. Additionally, setting deadlines and giving yourself more work pressure can also help keep you engaged and motivated.
2. In addition, it is also important to talk to your employer about how you feel. This is not easy, but the taboo about bore-out must be broken. Together with your employer, find a solution to be challenged more. An open communication and collaboration with your employer can help ensure that you are challenged and motivated in your work.
