How to Deal with Being Overworked
I’ve said it before and I'll say it again: tell your boss/manager/supervisor everything you do, in depth! 🙌🏼 One of my BEST tips for thriving and not just surviving corporate is over communicating to your manager.
So many people under communicate, thinking their manager automatically understands their workload & will view any feedback as an attack or complaining.
It’s not complaining, it’s ✨communicating✨ In a perfect world, your manager would proactively check in and manage everything you’re handling. But in the real world… that’s often times not the case 🙈
👏 you need to advocate for yourself!
❌ Key to moving up in your workplace is not working hard.
✅ It’s providing indispensable value + communicating your work in-depth to those who manage you.
Here are some tips for communicating a heavy workload to your boss:
1. Self-Assessment: Know Your Limits
Before approaching your boss, evaluate your current workload and commitments. Are you consistently working long hours or sacrificing personal time to meet deadlines? ⏳ Recognizing your own limits is the first step to addressing the situation with your supervisor.
2. Over Communicate Professionally
Over communicating doesn't mean complaining; it means keeping your boss informed about your workload and challenges. ✍🏼 Share regular updates on your projects, progress, and achievements. And be transparent with your boss about your workload when asked.
3. Identify Priorities and Solutions
When discussing your workload with your boss, make sure to identify your priorities. ✅ Highlight the tasks that are crucial to the company's success. Also, come prepared with potential solutions. Your supervisor will appreciate your proactive approach to resolving the issue.
4. Choose the Right Time and Place
Select a suitable time and private space for this conversation. A one-on-one meeting is ideal. 📆 Be respectful of your boss's schedule and avoid discussing this matter in a rushed or stressful environment.
5. Use Constructive Language
When explaining your situation, maintain a constructive tone. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can't. ⭐️ Phrases like, "I need your guidance on prioritizing these tasks," or "I believe we can improve efficiency by reallocating some responsibilities," demonstrate your commitment to resolving the issue.
6. Avoid Blaming or Complaining
Steer clear of blaming others or complaining about your workload. Instead, ask for your boss’s input and emphasize that you want to ensure the quality of your work remains high📈
Now, in this scenario, you have a decent manager who knows that spreading yourself too thin is a bad thing for you and the company. So after you communicate, they’ll act on it.
But, as we alllll know, that’s not always the case! 😬 Many are overworked & their managers couldn’t care less. If that’s the case, you need to have a serious 1:1 conversation with them. If they don’t listen, it’s time to quit or find a new manager (bad managers rarely change).
Document everything, communicate regularly, and focus on providing value. You got this! 👏
👉 Interested in finding a new job? Sign up for my Career Workshop Intensive, a 4-part program designed to help you get a job you love ASAP. 🌈