The Living Order

Ever wondered why employees lose excitement for their jobs, even when they’re well-paid and receive decent growth opportunities? What makes someone, who once joined with enthusiasm, dread the daily grind of commuting through traffic to reach an office they once loved?

Sure, companies offer perks like offsite trips, team parties, and fun Fridays. But let’s be real: these are like sprinkling glitter on a crumbling wall. The real cracks run much deeper. The issue is simple—employees are treated like robots. Robots with tasks to finish, KRAs to check off, and deadlines to meet. But unlike machines, employees are humans—humans with individuality, creativity, and the ability to think. So, when their freedom to use these traits is stifled, boredom creeps in.

Offsite Trips Are Still Happening, So What’s the Problem?

Imagine this: the HR department spends weeks planning a fancy offsite trip, complete with dance performances, games, and lavish dinners. Everyone attends, clicks pictures, and posts them with a “Best Team Ever!” caption. But by Monday morning, the same people are back to their robotic routines, stuck in silos, clashing with other teams, and feeling uninspired.

Offsite trips and parties may provide temporary relief, but they’re far from addressing the root cause of boredom—employees not feeling connected to a purpose.

Why People Dream of Starting Their Own Businesses

If you’ve ever wondered why so many people want to start their own businesses or join startups, it’s because they crave freedom—freedom to think, create, and have a say in decisions. When you work on something you own or something you believe in, it ignites a sense of passion. You have the liberty to question strategies, try new approaches, and make mistakes without fearing the boss’s judgment or job security.

In contrast, in many offices, questioning the status quo feels like a crime. Employees hesitate to share their ideas, thinking, “What if it offends the boss? What if I lose my job?” The lack of a speak-up culture is a surefire way to kill creativity—and enthusiasm along with it.

Disconnected Vision, Disconnected Employees

The problem worsens when companies fail to involve employees in their larger vision. How many employees know why their company exists beyond just making money? For most, work becomes about fulfilling KRAs and meeting deadlines. Why? Because the company’s vision doesn’t feel like their vision.

Picture an employee at Apple, knowing they are part of a mission to make carbon-free products. How empowering is that? To be part of a cause that’s good for humanity and the planet! It’s not just about manufacturing gadgets; it’s about contributing to a sustainable future. Compare that to an organization where CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities are reduced to planting 100 trees for a photo-op. Most employees in such companies don’t even know what their CSR initiative is!

When employees feel their work contributes to a meaningful cause—something bigger than the next quarter’s profits—they are more engaged. They feel valued.

Humans, Not Robots

Humans are the most creative and powerful species on Earth. So why are employees treated like machines—just tools to achieve company goals? Every employee is unique, with their own strengths, ideas, and perspectives. Suppressing these not only leads to boredom but also to frustration.

People thrive when they’re part of a cause, a mission that’s more than just a pay check. Its why entrepreneurs enjoy building startups—they get to align their work with their purpose, try new ideas, and contribute meaningfully.

What Can Companies consider?

To stop employees from getting bored:

1. Give Them a Purpose: Make sure every employee knows how their role impacts the company’s goals. Show them how their efforts matter.
2. Go Beyond KRAs: Allow employees to think, innovate, and challenge the norm. Give them the freedom to make suggestions and explore better solutions.
3. Build a Speak-Up Culture: Employees should feel safe sharing ideas without fear of repercussions. A good idea can come from anyone—frontline workers to top management.
4. Lead with Vision: Be clear about your company’s mission. Whether it’s environmental sustainability, creating revolutionary products, or contributing to society, ensure employees feel proud of what they’re working toward.

Until companies focus on these aspects, boredom will continue to fester. The offsite trips and parties will keep happening, but they’ll remain nothing more than temporary distractions from the underlying dissatisfaction. Employees want more than free food and games—they want purpose, freedom, and a chance to contribute meaningfully.