Overload at Work

• Symptoms of Overload at Work
• The Good and Bad News About Overload at Work
• Three Steps to Overcoming Overload at Work

Symptoms of Overload at Work

In some cases, people don’t recognize Overload at Work, as more of the dysfunctional behavior seems to become normal:

• Continually working obscene hours.  If there is a project, or some exceptional circumstances going on, then working extended hours may become necessary.  When this temporary situation becomes permanent, it is a symptom of Overload at Work.
• Missed deadlines.  Sooner or later, the volume of work means that deadlines are consistently missed.
• Paralysis. If you find yourself too overwhelmed to make a decision, or to take action, you are probably experiencing Overload at Work.
• Poor mental or physical health. Stress can have very negative effects on the body.  If you detect deterioration in mental or physical health, it could be a result of Overload at Work.

The Good and Bad News About Overload at Work

Often people feel powerless about Overload at Work.  Here are the realities that contribute to this challenge:

• Overload at Work is often self-imposed.  Many people believe their stress is caused by the organization.  In many cases, people put far more pressures and demands on themselves than are imposed externally.
• You will need to do something differently than you are currently.  This may mean giving up some things you actually enjoy doing.
• YOU need to solve this.  It is unlikely that anyone will rescue you from the current situation.  It is contingent upon you to fix the problem.

Overcoming Overload at Work

Here are three steps to overcoming Overload at Work:

1. Know where your time currently goes
2. Ruthlessly schedule priorities first
3. Push back on demands

1. Know where your time goes

Before you make changes to improve your situation, you need a solid understanding of where you are now.

• Audit your time for a period of two weeks.  We suggest you record your time in 30 minute increments two or three times a day.  This should take no more than a few minutes every day.
• Do not lie to yourself.  It is important not to rationalize where you spend your time, but rather simply record it as honestly as you can.
• Use the data you collect to see where you can begin to make changes.

2. Ruthlessly Schedule Priorities

In order to overcome Overload at Work you need to schedule your most important priorities first – before you become overwhelmed by what is seemingly urgent.

• First, you need to determine your priorities if you haven’t already done so.
• Ensure that you have agreement from your boss on those priorities.
• Even if it is only an hour a day, you need to get out of “fire-fighting mode”.
• Block space on your calendar for specific priorities.
• Beware of things you might like doing, but are not actually priorities
• Remember that email is not work.  Most often email is a huge time-killer that needs to be minimized.

3. Push Back on Demands

• Question the value of every meeting you are invited to attend.  If you do not see clear value in that meeting, then look for a way to get out of it.
• Filter all requests through your priorities.  Any demands you get need to be assessed against your priorities.  If you boss is the one making those demands, then it can lead to robust discussion about the task, and your priorities.
• Make yourself inaccessible at times.  Do not hesitate to close your door for an hour or two at times to work on your priorities.
• Ask for help where appropriate.
• Delegate where appropriate

3 Things to Remember about Overload at Work:

1. Only You Can Fix This.
2. Know What Your Top Priorities are and get agreement on them.
3. You may have to give up some things you like doing.

Watch the ‘3-Minute Crash Course’ about how to deal with Overload at Work (CLICK THE ARROW TO START THE VIDEO):

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