Work matters

Are you bored with your job?

Going back to work in January after the Christmas break is enough to give anyone the blues, but if you’re returning to a job you’re bored with, it can make for a double dose of professional fatigue.

For many, this is usually the impetus needed to find another job – but what do you do if, in the current economic climate, you don’t feel up to launching yourself into a new role?

Learn to handle boredom

The first thing is to take control of boredom. It’s not a fun experience – but it’s not the worst, either, so don’t let it dominate your day. 

Mindset is everything. Accept that work includes dull moments, and use this time to recharge, reflect, rest and reset goals.

“Mindset is everything,” says motivational speaker Rasheed Ogunlau. “Know what's important and keep your eye on the big picture. Accept that work includes dull moments, and use this time to recharge, reflect, rest and reset goals.”

In fact, boredom can be seen as a positive emotion – one that has evolved to help us learn, seek out stimulus, grow, adjust and thrive. “Try to think of it as a wake-up call that you need more challenges or variety in your working life,” says Trudy Hill, an occupational psychologist at the Susie Ambrose Clinic in Knightsbridge, London. “After all, the first step in getting what you need is knowing that you need it.”

Take control of the boring bits

To keep boredom at bay, don’t fixate on the dull bits, says Becky Wright, a corporate counsellor at New Leaf Life Design.

“Instead of focusing on the day-to-day routine of work, focus on the outcome you want to achieve,” she says. “Too often, we get wrapped up in the minutiae of work life, without thinking about what we really want to get out of a situation. Set time limits on mundane tasks and get them out of the way first so you can then move on to what you really enjoy.”

Reconnecting with co-workers

By making the effort with your colleagues and your boss, you can find yourself re-engaged with your job, kicking boredom into touch.

One of the reasons people get bored with their work is they have disconnected from the people they work with. But by making the effort with your colleagues and your boss – in effect, rebuilding those relationships – you can find yourself re-engaged with your job, kicking boredom into touch.

“Try to avoid always having the same chats with your boss or colleagues,” advises Becky. “Engage them in more meaningful conversations, be it taking an interest in what they’re working on to asking them about any future training opportunities and mentoring programmes.”

Redefine your role

Finally, as boredom is primarily a symptom of a role lacking in challenges, be proactive! Work out how you can improve your situation – after all, if you don’t do it, nobody’s going to do it for you. “You may find that you can make adjustments within your work,” says Trudy. “Take on fresh responsibilities and therefore alter your routine,” she advises.

Be creative with your ideas, and make suggestions that benefit yourself as well as your company. “Find out where the business plans to be in a year’s time and see if there is anything you can do to help contribute to the effort,” she says. You never know, you might get a promotion out it – then you won’t be bored!

This feature was written by DialExpotel for Expotel, the UK’s leading hotel, travel and venue booking agency. 

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