Can Boredom Kill Your Productivity (and Your Career)?

We all know the hazards and pitfalls that can happen at the office when you have too much to do or feel overly challenged. But you may not realize that there’s a productivity killer at the other end of the spectrum, as well.

As this article shows, some experts say that boredom is becoming a growing problem among American workers. If you are bored at work, you may lose interest in getting anything done and become apathetic about the quality of your work. You may start to slack off—and perhaps may even engage in destructive or negative behavior at work.

Not surprisingly, there’s a connection between increased work boredom and the economy. Experts say boredom often stems from feeling like you are not being challenged. As a result of the economy, many workers haven’t been able to move up the ladder (or jump ship and go elsewhere), leaving them trapped in jobs longer than they may have planned—and possibly long after they have become overqualified. This may cause the worker to feel frustrated and unmotivated, both of which can contribute to boredom.

The question, of course, is how to prevent employee boredom and the negative consequences it can cause. Obviously, the ideal answer—moving overqualified workers to positions where they will be challenged and stimulated—isn’t an option in most workplaces. So you may need to take the initiative on your own: seek out new projects that will get you excited and allow you to feel challenged. By volunteering for more challenging work, you will also stand out in a good way to your bosses, which can have a great impact on your career.

How do you combat office boredom? Share tips in the comments.

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