Tips for employees and employers to prevent work overload

Tips for Improving Workload

For employers

• Seek input from employees when determining the timing and pace of their work

• Consult with employees when determining performance targets

• Set targets that are realistic and achievable

• Regularly review workloads to ensure employees have sufficient resources (in terms of time, administrative support, or equipment) to cope

• Unless necessary, avoid asking employees to regularly stay after hours without prior consultation

• Monitor workloads during periods of peak demand (e.g., Christmas, seasonal peaks) and provide additional support where required

• Assist employees in the development of personal work plans to help them prioritise their tasks

• Negotiate reasonable deadlines for completing tasks

·     Provide as much warning as feasible regarding deadlines

·     Encourage employees to speak up at an early stage if they feel their task demands are excessive

·     Encourage employees to seek guidance from management about priorities if there are insufficient resources to effectively complete assigned tasks

For employees

·     Speak up if workload is too much

·     Remember you can say N0

·     Ask for help if needed

·     Ensure you have regular 121’s with your line manager

·     Do not commit to a deadline that you know you cannot achieve

·     Plan your time and prioritise tasks

·     Eat your FROG!