Are there times when the amount of work you have to fit into your day feels insurmountable? Do you feel like a hamster on a wheel, with the end never quite in sight? If so, you are not alone. Far from it.
Why is it important to manage your workload?
An important part of reducing stress at work is managing our workloads effectively. What we have to do at work can vary from day to day, according to work volume, increased responsibility, covering for a colleague who is away or unexpected demands, perhaps an essential system has gone down. It really helps to have a good grasp on what responsibilities your role entails and how best to keep track of your work, so you can cope effectively if and when pressures increase. Keeping a handle on your workload helps you to deliver your tasks by the set deadline and helps reduce that panic inducing feeling of being overwhelmed. If you are finding achieving this balance a struggle, we have a few top tips!
How to manage your workload and reduce your stress:
Time, schedule and set deadlines - It’s worth having a detailed look at how you spend your time during the working day; are there any points during the day where you are less productive? Are you aware of your strengths and limitations? There’s no point taking on something that you are unable to do or fit in, the pressure of having agreed to it will hang over you and hamper your productivity. Set deadlines for tasks, plan to complete the most important ones for your most productive times. Consider the complexity of the task when thinking about how long it will take to complete. You could split tasks into subtasks if you are working on something particularly involved.
Avoid multitasking and take a break - It may sound counterintuitive, but just like for students, the length of time we are able to effectively focus and remain productive has a limit. It’s worth building regular breaks into your day. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that recommends people work with the time they have, not against it. It works by time blocking tasks. Break your working day into 25 minute chunks separated by 5 minute breaks. The 5 minute breaks are known as pomodoros. Once you have completed three or four ‘working chunks’ it’s worth taking a longer break, perhaps up to half an hour. These gaps between working help to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and increase your ability to focus.
Communicate and collaborate - It’s worth prioritising tasks, considering if they are urgent or important. Complete urgent tasks first. Consider if it is actually you who needs to do the task - could another person within the team take it on, or be better suited to it? If you feel you have more work than you can manage, speak to your manager. Open communication helps colleagues to work as a team and improves workflow management.
Being aware of our work habits, how we cope with workloads and how well we complete tasks has an effect on our overall wellbeing. If you’d like more tips on balancing your life inside and outside of work, why not try out our podcast?
