Qu'est-ce que Bore-out ?

Definition

Bore-out is a syndrome of professional exhaustion caused not by overload but by chronic boredom — too little meaningful work, insufficient intellectual stimulation, or work that is far below the person's capabilities. First described by Swiss authors Peter Werder and Philippe Rothlin in 2007, it produces similar symptoms to burnout but through the opposite pathway.

In practice

Bore-out is particularly common in contexts where: an employee is significantly over-qualified for their role; tasks are repetitive and intellectually unstimulating; automation has removed the interesting parts of a job without adding new challenges; or an employee has been sidelined or given insufficient responsibility. Affected individuals often fake busyness to avoid exposing their lack of meaningful work, creating a spiral of guilt and disengagement. Unlike burnout, which is increasingly recognised in medical and HR discourse, bore-out remains underdiagnosed and underreported — sufferers often feel ashamed of not being "busy enough." Recovery involves a fundamental change in role, responsibilities or environment — often triggered by a skills assessment or career reorientation process.

Key takeaway

Bore-out is as damaging as burnout — for both the individual and the organisation. Under-stimulated talent is a management failure and a waste of human potential.