ProbarGOLD- Free

Putting Boredom to Work

Newsweek US|September 16, 2022
Becoming bored is something that happens to every human. But you can learn to manage it
- KATHERINE CONNOLLY BADEN, BORIS GROYSBERG and HEATHER POCO
Putting Boredom to Work

DO YOU OFTEN FEEL BORED AT work or in life? Do you want to feel less bored? If so, what can you do to make that happen? Boredom has a bad rap, but is it really so bad?

During the last year, we polled hundreds of people, asking them how quickly they tend to get bored at a new job. On average, it takes six months for people to begin feeling bored. The answers, though, range from two weeks to never, signaling a high level of personal variability when it comes to boredom.

Although a precise definition of boredom is a matter of debate, most experts agree that boredom can be defined as an adverse feeling associated with a lack of stimulation. It is "searching" for stimulation and not finding it. Boredom is often accompanied by other feelings, both positive and negative. It is both a feeling and a trait, and the severity to which you experience boredom greatly impacts the outcomes associated with it.

Mild to moderate boredom can foster heightened creativity, motivation to pursue new goals and search for novelty and it can even be a catalyst for reflection and relaxation. Dr. Sandi Mann, who has studied boredom extensively, also says that it served an evolutionary purpose. "As an evolutionary tool, boredom was probably invaluable, allowing us to stop attending to a stimulus that proves itself neither dangerous nor reinforcing, and turn our attention to other, more worthy stimuli." When leveraged properly, boredom can help us innovate, set new priorities, and potentially find a greater sense of purpose.

Profound or chronic boredom can have negative consequences. It is even correlated with earlier death due to higher levels of associated stress or risk-taking behavior. Work-related boredom contributes to job dissatisfaction. A Korn Ferry survey from 2021 found that boredom was one of the highest drivers of turnover, along with cultural fit and salary concerns.

Esta historia es de la edición September 16, 2022 de Newsweek US.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,500 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición September 16, 2022 de Newsweek US.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,500 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE NEWSWEEK USVer todo
Newsweek US

Smart Factories Drive Korea's Industrial Future

Smart factories in Korea are transforming manufacturing through AI, IoT and automation, boosting efficiency, precision and global competitiveness across key sectors. By Daniel de Bomford and Quentin Lange

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
Southern Spin
Newsweek US

Southern Spin

DJ Steve Aoki and singer Tyler Hubbard speak to Newsweek about redefining country cool

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
Broadway Is Back
Newsweek US

Broadway Is Back

Positive returns and a slate of diverse Tony nominees bode well for New York City theater

time-read
7 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
SEA CHANGE
Newsweek US

SEA CHANGE

Vacations on yachts are gaining in popularity as more travelers crave LUXURY EXPERIENCES they can share with friends and family

time-read
6 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
Darren Criss
Newsweek US

Darren Criss

DARREN CRISS IS AN EMMY-WINNING ACTOR, BUT DEEP DOWN HE’S A musical theater nerd. Which is why he’s so proud to be part of this year’s Tony-nominated musical Maybe Happy Ending.

time-read
2 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
AMERICA'S BEST HOSPITALS FOR SPECIALIZED CARE
Newsweek US

AMERICA'S BEST HOSPITALS FOR SPECIALIZED CARE

WHETHER YOU HAVE A HEART ISSUE, a thyroid condition or another ailment that requires a specialist, choosing the right hospital or care team is half the battle.

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
Imitation Game
Newsweek US

Imitation Game

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer raises the stakes with a Trump-style strategy—but experts warn his rightward move could be a dangerous gamble

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
Book a Holiday
Newsweek US

Book a Holiday

Browse Newsweek staff's favorite books to read on vacation. There's something for everyone

time-read
8 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
'Help Us To Clean Up the Mess'
Newsweek US

'Help Us To Clean Up the Mess'

Panama's Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro tells Newsweek why he's urging the U.S. to tackle the ecological toll of migration on his country

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)
Kwang Myung Innovative Seat Frame Solutions for Automakers
Newsweek US

Kwang Myung Innovative Seat Frame Solutions for Automakers

Looking to continue its global growth, the Korean SME is diversifying its portfolio with innovative and cost-effective solutions.

time-read
2 minutos  |
June 06 - 13, 2025 (Double Issue)

Usamos cookies para proporcionar y mejorar nuestros servicios. Al usan nuestro sitio aceptas el uso de cookies. Learn more