04 - Look out for signs of boredom

What leaders can do to manage boredom in the workplace?

Boredom at work is one of the serious issues that can lead to negativity, since bored employees tend to have an idle mind.

Due to the lack of motivation, bored employees may not have the will to do anything productive. According to a recent study by OnePoll, almost 46% of employees state that they get bored during at least three days of their work week. That's why it's super important to keep your employees engaged and motivated. Here's what can help you keep boredom at bay:

• Revamp your workspace with interesting decor and productive gadgets to keep everyone motivated.

• Encourage managers to keep reiterating how their team's work contributes to the larger purpose

• Keep looking for new ways to spark creativity, innovation, and new ideas among employees.

Ask employees for feedback..

A good way to check if employees are bored at work is to ask for anonymous feedback. Another option is to call a meeting and ask your staff to throw in ideas on how you can improve how things are done.

By actively seeking employee feedback, you demonstrate a genuine interest in their perspectives, fostering a sense of psychological safety in the workplace. This inclusive approach can motivate employees to contribute openly, knowing their voices are valued and heard.

Make the work environment more fun and relaxed

Acknowledging that certain job tasks may inherently be repetitive and less engaging, you can still inject some excitement and relaxation into the work environment. However, you can always break up the routine by making the work environment more fun.

Consider these strategies to boost morale:

Music and personalization

Allow employees to listen to their favorite music while performing tasks like writing emails or working independently. Personalizing their workspace with photos or decorations can create a more enjoyable and comfortable atmosphere.

 

Frequent breaks

Encourage frequent breaks throughout the day to give employees time to recharge and relax. Short breaks can help combat feelings of monotony and increase productivity by allowing employees to step away from their desks and engage in activities they enjoy.

 

Creative team-building activities

Organize occasional team-building activities or fun events to strengthen team spirit. These activities offer employees an opportunity to unwind, connect with colleagues, and boost their enthusiasm for work.

 

Celebrate achievements

Recognize and celebrate individual and team accomplishments regularly. Acknowledging their efforts and successes reinforces a positive work culture and motivates employees to stay engaged and committed to their tasks.

 

Challenge them – but don’t overwhelm

Occasionally employees are bored because they don’t have enough growth opportunities. If you see your employees sitting around doing nothing because they complete their projects ahead of time or if your team always effortlessly hits the target, it might be time to talk about new challenges and opportunities. You can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment by identifying areas where they can further develop their skills and expertise.

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid overwhelming them. Ensure the challenges are manageable and conducive to their professional development.

Hire the true leaders 

A great way to engage your staff is to hire managers who will provide constructive feedback and encouragement. Investing in inspirational leaders who prioritize employee growth and happiness is an investment in the success and well-being of your organization as a whole.

When employees feel genuinely supported, they are more likely to perform at their best and contribute to a thriving and motivated team. It can help everyone feel like a part of a team and improve their mental health at work.

This is also to make sure that the work environment isn’t demoralizing. The happier your employees are, the more productive they will be. 

Provide access to mental health support

The key to tackling chronic boredom and burnout is often improving employees’ mental health and learning about their needs.

Calmerry offers the B2B mental health solution for employers who want to boost their staff’s productivity by ensuring that the company’s work environment promotes well-being.

By talking to a therapist and using our self-help toolbox, they can improve self-awareness, discuss their personal challenges, and find meaning in their work and their journeys.