Resource allocation efficiency as an indicator of boredom, work performance and absence

Abstract

Boredom has been implicated in a range of unfortunate behaviours from absenteeism to substance abuse. Here resource allocation efficiency is proposed as a proximal indicator of both boredom and work behaviour. Clerical volunteers (N = 89) completed a series of computer-based tasks in which puzzle-solving speed was taken as an indicator of resource allocation efficiency. Individual variability in puzzle-solving speed correlated, as predicted, with accuracy of work (r = -0.35, p < 0.01) and days absence (r = +0.26, p < 0.05) as recorded in annual staff appraisals. Both these behaviours are considered boredom sensitive. These experiments suggest a direct way of predicting the consistency of key work-related behaviours.