I. Introduction/Concerns In today's workplace, employers are demanding higher performance and production from their employees. In doing so, companies often encourage behaviors that lead to workplace boredom that can actually decrease overall performance. Experts believe the hidden effects of employee boredom and burnout are costing American firms uncalculated billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and high turnover. More and more workers are performing below their capabilities, calling in sick, or even quitting because their jobs are no longer stimulating. Too many organizations are missing the opportunity to motivate and empower their employees by providing meaningful training, education, and other boredom-breaking activities. In fact nearly 45% of hiring experts say their firms lost top workers because they were unable to provide them challenging growth opportunities (Academy of Financial Services Studies, 1999). Companies must determine the extent to which boredom is evident in their workplace, determine the effects on the company's goals, and implement systems and rewards to eliminate worker boredom.
United States
United States
Engraving of Noah Webster, from the frontispiece o...Boredom as defined by Webster's Dictionary is "a state of being devoid of interest." A number of factors can cause boredom. Boredom arises from rote and repetitive tasks. It can also rise out of the failure to have opportunities to be creative. It can be caused by inadequate correlations between the work environment and individual employee behavior and perceptions. Also, many companies simply do not give their employees a chance to succeed by providing them with growth opportunities. Unclear expectations, faulty leadership, unachievable goals, and increased work schedules can all cause workplace boredom. At some point in any job, the work itself becomes stale. However, continual boredom can be costly. It can cost a company via low productivity, diminished employee morale, and heightened employee turnover. Boredom can ultimately lead an employee to question his or her sense of...