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“Burnout, or professional exhaustion syndrome, is a growing issue within companies. Its constant progression reflects often unsuitable working conditions, deeply impacting individuals.
In Switzerland, employers are legally required to prevent and manage psychosocial risks, including burnout and boreout, a less known but equally destructive phenomenon.
Both burnout and boreout indicate a state of distress at work, whether due to overwork or extreme boredom. These situations affect not only the health of employees but also the overall performance of companies, leading to higher costs associated with sick leave and turnover.” – Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco
Burnout and boreout: Understanding their specificities
Burnout:
Burnout is a form of exhaustion related to overinvestment in work. It manifests as extreme fatigue, marked demotivation, emotional detachment, and loss of self-confidence.
Contrary to popular belief, this syndrome often affects highly performing employees, demanding of themselves and struggling to say no. The main causes generally result from:
- work overload or unattainable goals;
- relational tensions or poorly managed conflicts;
- organizational changes that generate professional insecurity.
Boreout:
Boreout is exhaustion through boredom. It goes beyond mere disinterest in one’s work: the person loses all motivation, feels useless, and ends up withdrawing.
Affected individuals often describe:
- a feeling of uselessness due to insignificant tasks or being sidelined;
- a sense of shame, prompting them to hide their boredom;
- a constant fear of losing their job or being judged.
These two forms of exhaustion, although different in their causes, have similar effects on individuals.
Effects on mental and physical health
The consequences of burnout and boreout translate into physical and psychological symptoms, affecting the person in all aspects of their life, such as:
- persistent fatigue and decreased energy;
- physical ailments: headaches, muscle pain, digestive issues;
- social isolation and feelings of sadness;
- irritability, memory and concentration problems.
Without intervention, these situations often lead to prolonged sick leave or resignation.
Solutions to address burnout and boreout
To mitigate these psychosocial risks, it is essential for companies to implement appropriate mechanisms:
Improving working conditions:
- set achievable and measurable goals;
- clarify the roles and responsibilities of the affected employees;
- ensure constructive feedback and regular reviews.
Creating a supportive culture:
- promote open and respectful communication;
- encourage collaboration between teams;
- provide necessary resources to achieve objectives.
Managers play a key role in detecting and managing these situations. Their training and support are essential to ensure a balanced work environment.
Support from a person of trust: a key asset
Appointing a trusted person within the company, as recommended by SECO, is a major asset in preventing and managing cases of burnout and boreout.
This neutral and confidential entity allows:
- offering a secure listening space for affected employees;
- proposing tailored solutions to prevent conflict escalation;
- assisting managers in implementing concrete and suitable measures.
With this support, it becomes possible to act quickly and prevent irreversible situations.
Overcome burnout and boreout to regain your balance
If you experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, loss of motivation, or constant sadness, it is important to speak up.
Reach out to your doctor, human resources, or a trusted individual within your organization. Do not let the situation worsen; solutions exist to help you regain professional and personal balance.
Feel free to contact Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco for personalized support or coaching. Whether you need assistance managing burnout or boreout, or wish to implement internal mechanisms for preventing psychosocial risks, her expertise will be a valuable asset for you and your organization.
Discover my other services dedicated to the prevention and management of psychosocial risks: