Discovering The Silent Workplace Crisis: Rustout

Procrastination Aug 22, 2025

What Is Rustout?

In today’s fast-paced work environment, feeling uninspired or apathetic may be more common than you think. Experts Sabrina Fitzsimons and David Smith have coined the term “rustout” to describe this emotional and mental weariness. Rustout is the quiet cousin of burnout but differs greatly. While burnout often results from overwhelming stress and overwork, rustout emerges from boredom, routine, and professional stagnation.

Causes and Characteristics

The leading cause of rustout is repetitive tasks that fail to engage or challenge employees. For those in professions like teaching, the lack of stimulating work can lead to a sense of invisibility and being undervalued. Fitzsimons and Smith explain that workplaces focused solely on efficiency can foster an environment where creativity and professional development suffer.

Differentiating From Quiet Quitting

You may wonder if rustout is similar to the trend of quiet quitting. Although the behaviors may seem alike, such as reduced effort or job dissatisfaction, rustout is not driven by a conscious decision to disengage. Instead, it’s a natural response to unfulfilled potential and underutilization.

As stated in HuffPost UK, “While most described enjoying their work and its variety, we found an undercurrent of symptoms and experiences indicative of rustout.”

Addressing The Problem

Ignoring feelings of rustout can be detrimental in the long run. Open discussions about employee wellbeing, much like conversations around burnout, are crucial. Encouraging employees to voice their concerns can prevent attrition and foster innovation. Integrating awareness of rustout into workplace mental health agendas is a necessary step toward building a more supportive environment.