I find my workload too heavy
I find my workload too heavy, but I don't dare tell my manager, for fear of being labeled as underperforming. I often end up finishing my files at home, and as a result, I'm tired the next day and lack productivity. How can I get out of this deadlock?
It's certainly a vicious cycle that will ultimately wear you down and demotivate you. On the other hand, it's almost certain that the more tasks you accept, the more your boss or manager will wrongly assume that you are able to handle them, without having any idea of the sacrifices it costs you. So, before you completely crack and burst into tears in their office, it's preferable to set aside the emotional register and tackle the problem calmly. First, note down the time required for each task, in order to prove, with figures, that the total clearly exceeds the 40 working hours allocated. Then, go see your superior, at a time when they are available and receptive, and calmly explain that you like your job but that, objectively, your workload is too heavy. Emphasize that you have a negative feeling of never being able to keep up. Then present your list and suggest that you brainstorm a solution together (new organization, delegation of certain tasks, prioritization of tasks, creation of a "to do list" that can only be modified in case of absolute emergency, hiring a colleague for a better distribution of work, etc.). If they ask for time to think, insist that you await their response, thanking them for taking your request seriously. After a follow-up two weeks later, if nothing is on the horizon, drop the secondary tasks that increase your stress and focus on the most important ones; your boss, facing your determination, will eventually (re)act...!
Houria Abdelghani
Published in January 2011
Posted online February 11, 2011
