# What Happens When Nothing is Happening? By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-05-14 Things are always happening, even when nothing is happening. It is potentially interesting to explore what happens when nothing is happening within the context of work. First, there is often a sense of boredom when nothing is happening. Second, when nothing is happening, it is likely more accurate to say that only routine things are happening. People are simply executing a well-worn pattern of behavior. But then what do people do to try and get out of the funk? They might start talking to each other. They might try to come up with something to do; often this is some form of celebration. When nothing is happening, people attempt to spark something (maybe anything) happening. But even these attempts can become part of a routine. After a while these initial steps to make something happen become part of nothing happening. Routine is perhaps organizationally efficient, but it does little to spark personal engagement. #### Related Items [[Routine]] [[Work]] [[Boredom]] [[Engagement]]