Roberts, Alun
Bore-out, boredom and finding meaning in the workplace. A study about task disengagement, boredom and finding meaning in office environments.
Master thesis, Master Geestelijke Verzorging.
Abstract
Introduction: A bore-out is a concept that relates to how workers in an office can suffer from boredom and paradoxically maintain this state of being through avoidance coping strategies. This thesis focuses on whether a bore-out is purely connected to task-related boredom or whether other factors such as boredom proneness and meaning making processes exist that can also influence the situation.
Methods: The theoretical concepts of finding meaning at work, the concept of bore-out and how boredom affects individuals, groups and on societal level are discussed. A quantitative study of office workers compares these theoretical concepts with real-life work situations. Results: A positive relationship was found between the proclivity for a bore-out and boredom proneness. The study also showed a relationship between lower scores on finding meaning in life and work and such proclivity. Social demographic factors like age, years in service, gender and being overqualified/underqualified seem to also have an impact. Discussion: This study suggests that a bore-out is not only affected by tasks, but that social demographics, an underlying propensity for boredom and personal outlooks on meaning in life and work also are related. More research is needed to find out why and how such factors affect a person’s propensity for a bore-out.
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