Monotonous work is the constant implementation of the same actions throughout the working day. This type of work is unloved by many for obvious reasons. Who wants to do one day signing documents or packing sweets every day? Let's see what is characterized by monotonous work, to whom it will suit, and whether there are good sides in it.
Definition
The concept of monotonous work is the same in most dictionaries: these are actions that are repeated over and over again. That is, for the most part, this is boring work. For example, workers in factories constantly perform the same actions, or housewives who wash dishes every day and wipe the dust. Most often we can’t escape from monotonous work, we do it every day: taking out the garbage, making breakfast, washing dishes and more.
This gives rise to the concept of monotony - a state of boredom from work. This occurs with an excess of work, and with a shortage. It is not easy to get out of the state of monotony, because it pursues everywhere. It becomes boring from everything, not just from work.
Monotonous work and uniform movements are interchangeable concepts. In such work, most often there is no variety. They put glued stickers or tie a bow on a toy - this is what you do every day. Unless the bosses are opposed, so that employees change places from time to time. Because doing the same thing every day, from minute to minute, you lose working capacity. That is why managers should be interested in adding variety to actions and giving employees new tasks. Unfortunately, some managers are confident that working every day in the same place, employees are better at their job. But this is absolutely not the case.
Examples of monotonous work
Of course, in the first place is work in the factories at the machine tool. 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 simply 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: 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.
Next come the cashiers and sellers. From shift to shift work with clients. After some time, the actions reach automatism, and the mental state worsens.
Cleaning. If many people are tired of cleaning up the house, because it takes time and takes up energy, then working as a janitor or janitor is another task.
Washing dishes also refers to the monotonous work, and is justified for obvious reasons.
Security guard. This work is not even so monotonous as very boring. But among the advantages, you can distinguish, for example, the time to read, watch movies, do your own thing, and just sleep at any time, in the end.
In addition to the above, there are many other vacancies that are characterized by constantly repeating actions.
The question of what kind of work is monotonous is of interest to a large number of workers. Here are its main characteristics:
- the same movements (more than 1000 per shift);
- one movement takes no more than 1 minute;
- simple actions;
- speed of work (on conveyor belts).
How to answer the question: “Will I be able to carry out monotonous actions?”
The ability to monotonous work is a combination of psychological and physical factors. Some employers test future employees. It relates to the psychological ability to work uniformly. The methods for selecting employees are different. Sometimes employers take temporary employees without conducting research on their performance. This is not quite the right approach, since a person may not be able to withstand the work, for example, on a conveyor belt.
To understand whether you are capable of monotonous work, think about the following things.
- How patient are you? Patience in this area is important, because for 8-10 hours you need to perform the same action. It just seems that everything is pretty simple. In fact, after half an hour of work it becomes boring.
- Health status. Can you stand the shift on your feet or even while sitting? After some time, shoulders, back, legs begin to ache. You’ll be lucky if you have the opportunity to walk a bit at work. But if, again, work on the conveyor, then it is likely that it will be possible to walk only during one break.
pros
There are certain advantages of monotonous work.
- Time for reflection. When actions come to automatism, in addition to the will, you stop thinking about work. 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.
- The opportunity to find good friends. Often during monotonous work, people work head-on. An unobtrusive conversation can develop into a strong friendship.
- Motility - hand motility is noticeably improved. In general, usually a person, having worked a little at a fast pace on monotonous work, begins to perform any other work many times faster.
- Stamina improves. It seems that if he stood for 10 hours on the conveyor or in the dishwasher, then any other work would be on the shoulder.
Minuses
Obviously, monotonous work for one is one positive, and for someone - solid minuses.
- Boring. Even in the first hours of work. Even when you are talking. Even when a bunch of thoughts, and time goes faster. Always stably boring.
- Hard physically. Over time, the joints, back, shoulders, legs begin to hurt. The general health worsens.
- As well as physically, it’s hard morally. There is no possibility of development.
- Constant fatigue.
- Too demanding bosses (not always, but in most cases). Often require more and more, not assessing the mental and physical condition of employees.
Team work
As it was written 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. Indeed, if you are an introvert and a colleague who is too talkative nearby, it is difficult to maintain a conversation. And the situation is a little pressure.
But if you like to make new friends, then here you will definitely find them. The main thing is to find common interests. And there is already "word for word." And time passes faster and works easier.
Is it possible to love the monotonous work?
If this work is not to your liking, then it is unlikely. But you can brighten up a little workdays. For example, after work, stop by to buy yourself a chocolate bar, as an encouragement. Immediately the mood and well-being will become better.
If possible, and the authorities have nothing against it, listen to music. Music always sets the pace and helps to get a little distracted.
Flex your muscles. Take a walk, do a light workout. This will slightly accelerate the blood in the joints and improve well-being.
Dream. No matter how trite it may sound, but it is dreams that best distract from boredom in monotonous work. Think about what you want in the future, how to come to this, what can help you in 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, to organize more frequent breaks in work. Also, do not set a working schedule for 12-16 hours, a maximum of 10.
The second is diversity. It is necessary to change tasks at work, then a person will be better off doing it.
Third - the normal pace of work. Because sometimes in factories workers do not keep pace with the tape, and from this the influence of monotonous work increases several times - a person begins to "goof off". And of course, health is getting worse. Well, as described above - turn on the music. This will help people relax a bit.
Conclusion
What did we find out? That monotonous work is short, constantly repeating actions that lead to the depletion of a person. This work has both disadvantages and advantages. But it does not suit everyone. Such an activity requires perseverance and patience. If you are a person who can focus on only one task, that is, not multitasking, then monotonous work is what you need.