Bored at work? That’s okay! Studies show it might make you more creative!

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming at your desk or counting down the minutes until the workday ends? Don’t worry. You're not alone. In fact, studies suggest that being bored at work can actually be a good thing! 

While it may seem counterintuitive, embracing moments of boredom can lead to increased creativity and productivity, for yourself and your team. As an employer, it’s understandable that you’d like your people to be fully engaged, but it’s okay if they’re not at all times.

Neuroscientist Alicia Walf, a researcher in the Department of Cognitive Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, says it’s healthy for the brain to be bored. Boredom can promote creative ideas, boost work mojo and provide the brain capacity for new ideas. 

Boredom as a source of inspiration

Creative ideas often come when our brains are relaxed. According to Atlassian, when the brain is bored, the frontal cortex (which is involved in attention, memory and planning) goes into auto-pilot, meaning you think less.

Think about eureka moments. History proves that people can make great discoveries when they are doing little and have time for their own thoughts. 

Greek polymath Archimedes worked out how to calculate volume and density while taking a bath. Physicist Isaac Newton formulated the laws of gravity while watching an apple fall from a tree. David Bowie’s ‘Life on Mars’ melody came about while he was sitting on a bus, travelling to Lewisham in London. American engineer Willis Carrier was watching the fog roll in across a train platform when he had a lightbulb moment. He realised he could use the principle of fog to cool buildings, and air conditioning was born.

The power of boredom

It’s safe to say that most jobs involve certain tasks that might be a little dull. And that’s okay. Don’t let boredom stand in your way! If you or your employees are faced with a tedious task, here are some reasons why boredom might help.

It can enhance creativity

Research conducted by the University of Central Lancashire found that people who allowed their minds to wander during a boring task were more likely to come up with creative ideas compared to those who were constantly engaged. Boredom can give your mind the freedom to explore new possibilities and think outside the box.

It can spark innovation

According to a study published in the Academy of Management Discoveries, moments of boredom can ignite a desire for new experiences and challenge the status quo. This can lead people to find innovative solutions and make breakthroughs in their work.

It can improve your focus

Boredom can also serve as a motivator to seek out more engaging tasks or find ways to improve existing ones. When faced with monotony, people are more likely to pay attention to details and find creative ways to complete their work efficiently.

Boring jobs (as labelled by the internet)

There are many jobs that people label as boring. But what one person may find boring, another might enjoy. If your organisation has a role that needs filling but you’re worried they will be seen as boring, change your mindset. It might be the perfect job for someone.

Here are a few examples of how a would-be boring job can be attractive.

Data entry specialist 

While the repetitive nature of data entry might seem dull, some people find solace in the precision and order it requires. The ability to focus on a single task and maintain accuracy can provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Toll booth operator

Although sitting in a toll booth for hours might seem mundane, it offers its own unique perks. Some people might enjoy the solitude and the opportunity to interact with diverse people throughout the day. There might also be a sense of responsibility that comes with managing the flow of traffic.

Night security guard

The quiet overnight shifts of a security guard might seem very anti-social, but not everyone wants a 9 to 5 in an office. Night owls might enjoy the time off in the daytime which allows them to work at night.

Wrapping up

We live in a busy, connected, on-demand world, where life can be a balancing act of juggling work and life responsibilities. 

Some employers have adopted trends in their work that provide the capacity for doing less with the idea of boosting productivity and maintaining a healthy mind. Examples include bare-minimum Monday or freedom Friday. 

Whatever your approach as an employer, remember that boredom is not your enemy! Embrace the tedious tasks with your team, and let your busy mind enjoy the break.

For more insights, visit the Heart Talent blog.