Rustout: The psychological impact of under-stimulation at work

Psychologists are highlighting a growing phenomenon known as ‘rustout’, a form of workplace exhaustion distinct from traditional burnout. While burnout is typically driven by chronic stress and excessive professional demands, rustout stems from a lack of stimulation, meaninglessness, and underutilization of skills.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), rustout affects workers who find their tasks insufficiently demanding, leading to feelings of frustration and demotivation. Dr. Lotta Harju of Emlyon Business School notes that this state often manifests in repetitive or overly simple roles with low autonomy. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, mental wandering, procrastination, and a general lack of interest in professional growth.