Feeling bored and disconnected for your job? You may be facing workplace 'rust-out' | Gene Marks

T here is a woman I know who works in the accounts payable department at one of my clients. She’s in her late 40s and she’s been doing the same job for at least 10 years. Entering payables, reconciling expense accounts, matching documents, calling suppliers. Sound boring? Not to her. She’s happy, enjoys the routine and appreciates her employer. She’s not “rusting-out” – the latest workplace buzzword. An employee who’s rusting-out is bored with their job. They do the bare minimum. They contribute half-heartedly. “Burnout is often equated with overwhelm, but rust-out is far more common and not just related to workload,” according to Fast Company . “It leaves people feeling under stimulated, disconnected, and just going through the motions.” Rust-out is real. Some managers fail to develop people. Some workplaces become stagnant. But not every employee who feels bored is a victim of bad management. The accounts payable woman above works at a company that distributes industrial gases to manufacturers. She is one of about 150 employees. No disrespect, but a company that distributes industrial gases is not exactly the most exciting place to work. And yet this company is no different than the countless small and midsized businesses that make up the foundation of the US economy. These companies sell gaskets, corrugated containers, coated films and foundry molds. They construct metal-framed buildings. They fill in tax returns, serve hamburgers, replace piping and repair cars. …