I've become quite adept at being able to tell when someone's work feels draining, inadequate or unfulfilling.
But, sometimes diagnosing this "spinning the wheels phenomenon" is not at all rocket science. Some tweeks, changes or even just outsourcing can change work that "STINKS" to work that "ROCKS!"
I've seen it happen!
Years ago, a mentor shared this 4 quadrant paradigm. It helped me make a change and I've never looked back.