While most HR professionals have developed strategies to combat employee burnout, a new workplace phenomenon is gaining attention: “boreout.” Unlike burnout, which is perceived as stemming from overwork, boreout happens when employees feel disengaged and unmotivated due to lack of challenge or purpose. Sandra Moran, Chief Customer Experience and Marketing Officer at WorkForce Software helps WorkLife readers understand the difference between burnout and boreout. Moran explains that it’s important for employers to catch these potential red flags while they’re happening —and technology can help make this connection early for managers.
Moran noted that burnout and boreout require distinct metrics and KPIs due to their differing causes. “Burnout stems from overload and is measured by emotional exhaustion, workload efficiency, and depersonalization, while boreout arises from under-stimulation and is tracked through boredom scales, low innovation contributions and disengagement indicators,” she pointed out.
There are KPIs for engagement improvement like NPS surveys that ask employees their feelings about career growth, upskilling, scheduling flexibility, and safety at work, she continues. “Organizations should be monitoring turnover and absenteeism, but it’s important to catch these potential red flags while they’re happening and technology can help make this connection early for managers,” she said.
