Beating boredom at work

Boredom is basically a mindset when an individual is fed up of what is happening around him or the lack of it. Employee boredom is a major challenge for organizations across the world, yet this is one of the most neglected areas. It can be aggravated to such an extent that it can even lead to loss of productivity.

An employee working in a departmental store in Bangalore complains, “My job is not mentally challenging which makes me feel bored easily. This is more often felt during weekdays when there is not much rush in our store.” Telecallers, teachers, clerical staff, front office executives, and security staff, all of them voice the same opinion. Their jobs are repetitive and thereby monotonous.

An HR professional working in the IT sector says, “Organizations should provide a spirited work environment so that their employees do not get bored easily. Creating a vibrant work culture will help curb this problem to a great extent. ” In fact individuals as well as the organization should join hands to keep away from this problem.

A market research executive suggests some ways to beat boredom at work. He says, “Take short breaks between your work or strike up a conversation with a co-worker who is equally bored as you are. If you are tired of working in the same project for a long time, talk to your supervisor and see if you can contribute to some other project for a few hours everyday. You may even help your colleagues who may need some assistance. Find out new ways to beautify your workspace so that it interests you all over again. For a change you can keep a cute teddy or even your family photograph to charge yourself up.” In fact if you engage yourself in innovative ways you can become excited about your work again.

“We all know that an idle brain is the devil’s workshop. You should see to it that you do not involve yourself in negative things like office politics by getting bored. This can be dangerous and lead you to trouble,” warns a psychologist.

Boredom is harmful for both the employer and the employee. Hence both parties should take some steps to make work less of a drudgery and more of an enjoyment.

- Ranjita Chattopadhyay (views expressed in the article are that of the author)