Professors Suffer ‘Rustout’ From Under-Challenge

Academics face boredom and stagnation due to administrative bloat, research indicates.

Beyond the familiar exhaustion of burnout lies a quieter workplace malady: rustout. This condition, characterized by apathy and a lack of motivation stemming from repetitive, unstimulating tasks, is increasingly impacting professionals, particularly in academia.

The Quiet Drain of Mundanity

While burnout arises from overwhelming demands, rustout emerges from under-engagement and professional stagnation. It occurs when employees, often highly qualified, find themselves performing mundane, low-value tasks that fail to utilize their skills or foster growth. This can lead to a sense of invisibility and diminish job satisfaction, potentially affecting mental well-being over time.

Teacher Educators Hit Hard

New research focusing on teacher educators reveals the prevalence of rustout in higher education. These university lecturers, responsible for training future teachers, juggle teaching, supervision, mentoring, and extensive administrative duties. This often leaves little time for research and creative work, crucial elements for professional fulfillment.

One participant lamented, “A good 70% of my workload now is almost just admin, which is very depressing.” This administrative burden, exacerbated by bureaucratic changes in higher education institutions, stifles the more engaging aspects of their roles.

The misalignment between professional aspirations and daily tasks is a key driver. Highly experienced educators found themselves bogged down by routine work, feeling “pigeon-holed into a role” rather than being challenged to leverage their expertise.

Institutional Silence on Stagnation

Rustout often remains an unspoken issue due to workplace culture and performance expectations. “Rustout exists in teacher education. Absolutely. However, I have no experience of ever having a conversation with anyone around it,” one educator shared. This silence, while maintaining short-term stability for institutions, can lead to long-term retention problems and hinder innovation.

According to a 2023 report by Gallup, only 30% of employees worldwide feel engaged at work, highlighting a global trend of disengagement that rustout exacerbates.

Rethinking Workplace Wellbeing

The research advocates for addressing rustout alongside burnout, emphasizing that employee well-being is foundational to organizational success. Employers must recognize and actively create environments that foster professional engagement and provide opportunities for growth, ensuring staff feel valued and stimulated.