In today’s fast-paced business environment, managers frequently encounter the challenge of heavy workloads within their teams. Balancing multiple projects, tight deadlines, and high expectations can strain even the most resilient teams, potentially impacting productivity and motivation. Effective support and management are essential to navigating these pressures successfully.
This article explores practical strategies for managing high workloads, offering actionable insights to help managers support their teams, distribute tasks efficiently, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Recognise the Impact of High Workload
High workload can lead to burn-out and chronic fatigue, decreased job satisfaction, and reduced productivity.1 As a manager, it is your responsibility to identify and address the root causes of high workload within your team, for example, by leveraging surveys, feedback, one-to-one conversations, and assessing individual personality traits.
Address the Root Causes of High Workload
Identify and address the root causes of high workload, such as:
- Unrealistic expectations and deadlines
- Lack of resources and support
- Poor time management and prioritisation
- Insufficient training and development
Prioritise Tasks and Delegate Responsibilities
Delegate tasks to distribute workload more reasonably and reduce the burden on individual team members. Implement a task management system to track and prioritise tasks, ensuring everyone is aware of their responsibilities and deadlines.
Foster Open Communication
Encourage team members to express their concerns and needs, and actively listen to their feedback.2 Regular check-ins and progress updates can help team members stay focused and motivated.
Prioritise Employee Wellbeing and Life Balance
Encourage team members to take breaks, prioritise self-care, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Demonstrate your commitment to life balance and prioritise your own wellbeing. Be a role model for your team members.
By using the Howdy app and Howdy’s health services, you and your team members can effectively track and improve your wellbeing, mentally and physically.
Research suggests that employees who prioritise self-care and maintain a healthy life balance are more productive and resilient.3
Leverage GTD tools
Utilising “Getting Things Done” (GTD) tools or apps can effectively declutter your mind, enhance your focus, and improve task and project efficiency. These software solutions are designed to simplify your workflow by helping you capture, organise and execute tasks.
Most of all available GTD software feature normally a task management system. This system can help you create To-Do lists with priorities and deadlines.
In short:
Effectively managing a high workload involves prioritising employee wellbeing, fostering open communication, and employing efficient task management. By addressing workload impact and root causes, managers create a sustainable, productive environment where teams can thrive and achieve goals with greater ease.
Sources:
- Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144-156.
- Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2017). Burnout: A multidimensional perspective. In C. L. Cooper & J. A. Sloan (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of work and organizational psychology (pp. 347-364). Oxford University Press.
- World Health Organization. (2001). Occupational health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/occupational_health/en/
- Workplace Strategies for Mental Health. (n.d.). On the Agenda workshop series. Retrieved from https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/on-the-agenda-workshop-series
- Xanthopoulou, D., & Maslach, C. (2015). Work-related stress and burnout: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 57(5), 531-543. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000435