Monotonous work: concept, list with examples, inclination of character to such work, pros and cons

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Monotonous work is the constant performance of the same actions throughout the working day. This type of work is disliked by many for obvious reasons. Who wants to deal with one signing documents or packing sweets every day? Let's see what characterizes monotonous work, who it suits, and whether it has good sides.

Definition

The concept of monotonous work in most dictionaries is the same: these are actions that are repeated over and over again. So for the most part, it's a boring job. For example, workers in factories constantly perform the same actions, or housewives who wash dishes and dust every day. Most often, you can’t escape from the monotonous work, we do it every day: taking out the garbage, preparing breakfast, washing dishes and more.

This is where the concept of monotony comes from – the state of boredom from work. This occurs both with an excess of work and with a shortage. It is not easy to get out of the state of monotony, because it follows everywhere. Getting bored ofeverything, not just work.

Monotonous work and monotonous movements are interchangeable concepts. Most of the time there is no variety in this kind of work. They set to glue stickers or tie a bow on a toy - this is what you do every day. Unless if the authorities do not mind that employees change places from time to time. Because doing the same thing every day, from minute to minute, you lose efficiency. That is why managers should be interested in diversifying actions and giving employees new tasks. Unfortunately, some managers believe that by working in the same place every day, employees do a better job. But this is absolutely not the case.

Examples of monotonous work

Of course, in the first place work in factories at the machine. To work in such a position 5 days a week for 8-10 hours a day is a titanic work. Time at such work most often just stops, and if you also need to do everything very quickly … In general, this work is not suitable for everyone. Although the conveyor has two options for working: when it does not stop and you need to keep up with it, or when the product accumulates, and you can do everything at a more free pace.

Followed by cashiers and salespeople. Work with clients from shift to shift. After a while, the actions reach automaticity, and the mental state worsens.

Cleaning. If many people get tired of cleaning at home, because it takes time and energy, then working as a cleaner or janitor is something else.task.

Washing dishes is also a tedious job, and rightly so for obvious reasons.

Guard. This work is not even so monotonous as it is very boring. But among the pluses, one can single out, for example, time for reading, watching movies, doing one's own business, and just sleeping at any time, after all.

In addition to the above, there are many other vacancies that are distinguished by constantly repetitive actions.

The question of what kind of work is monotonous is of interest to a large number of workers. Here are its main features:

• same movements (more than 1000 per shift);
• one movement takes no more than 1 minute;
• simple actions;
• speed of operation (on conveyor belts).

How to answer the question: "Will I be able to perform monotonous activities?"

The ability to monotonous work is a combination of psychological and physical factors. Some employers test future employees. It concerns the psychological capacity for monotonous work. Methods for selecting employees are different. Sometimes employers hire temporary employees without conducting research on their performance. This is not quite the right approach, since a person may not be able to withstand work, for example, on a conveyor.

To understand if you are capable of monotonous work, consider the following things.

• How patient are you? Patience in this area is important, because for 8-10 hours you need to do the same thing.action. It just seems to be pretty simple. In fact, it gets boring after half an hour.
• He alth status. Can you handle the shift on your feet or even sitting? After a while, the shoulders, back, legs begin to ache. You'll be lucky if you have the opportunity to walk around a bit at work. But if, again, the work is on the assembly line, then there is a high probability that it will be possible to walk only during one break.

Pros

There are also certain advantages to monotonous work.

1. Time for reflection. When actions reach automaticity, you stop thinking about work against your will. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to think about something good. About where to spend the money earned, about friends, family, about the future and more.
2. The opportunity to find good friends. Often, during monotonous work, people work head-on. An unobtrusive conversation can grow into a strong friendship.
3. Motor skills - motor skills of the hands are noticeably improved. In general, usually a person, having worked a little at a fast pace at a monotonous job, begins to perform any other job many times faster.
4. Improves stamina. It seems that if you endured 10 hours on the conveyor or at the dishwasher, then any other job will be on the shoulder.

Cons

Obviously, monotonous work for someone is one positive, and for someone - solid minuses.

1. Boring. Even during the first hours of work. Even when you're talking. Even when a lot of thoughts, and time goes faster. Always stableboring.
2. It's hard physically. Over time, joints, back, shoulders, legs begin to hurt. General well-being worsens.
3. As well as physically, it's hard mentally. No development opportunity.
4. Persistent fatigue.
5. Too demanding bosses (not always, but in most cases). They often demand more and more, without assessing the mental and physical condition of employees.

Teamwork

As mentioned above, monotonous work is a great chance to meet new people. Having found common interests, you can chat for a whole shift. But for some, psychologically monotonous work with people can be difficult. After all, if you are an introvert, and a colleague who is too talkative is nearby, it is difficult to keep up the conversation. And the atmosphere is a little pressing.

But if you like making new friends, then here you will definitely find them. The main thing is to find common interests. And there already "word for word." And time passes faster and work is easier.

Is it possible to fall in love with a monotonous job?

If you don't like this job, it's unlikely. But you can brighten up the working days a little. For example, after work, go buy yourself a chocolate bar as a reward. Your mood and well-being will immediately improve.

If you can, and your boss doesn't mind, listen to music. Music always sets the pace for work and helps to get a little distracted.

Knead your muscles. take a walk,do a light workout. This will slightly disperse the blood in the joints and improve well-being.

Dream. No matter how trite it may sound, but it is dreams that are best distracted from boredom at monotonous work. Think about what you want in the future, how to get there, what can help you with this.

Is it possible to reduce the negative impact of monotonous work on the human body?

Yes, there is. But management should be interested in this.

The first thing to do is to systematize work and rest, that is, organize more frequent breaks in work. Also, do not set a work schedule of 12–16 hours, maximum 10.

Second is variety. It is necessary to change tasks at work, then a person will perform it better.

Third, the normal pace of work. Because sometimes in factories, workers do not keep up with the tape, and from this the influence of monotonous work increases several times - a person begins to "stupid". And, of course, your he alth deteriorates. Well, as it was written above - turn on the music. This will help people relax a bit.

Conclusion

What did we find out? That monotonous work is short, constantly repeated actions that lead to exhaustion of a person. This work has both disadvantages and advantages. But it doesn't suit everyone. This activity requires perseverance and patience. If you are a person who can only focus on one task, i.e. not a multi-tasker, then monotonous work is what you need.