Having positive workload management is a work environment where assigned tasks and responsibilities can be accomplished successfully within the time available. This doesn’t mean you’ve finished all possible work by the end of your workday, it means you’re able to successfully do what’s necessary in the time available. There are many factors that will influence the level of stress that we get from workload positively or negatively, including the training and support we receive, interest in the work, as well as time to prepare or organize our work. How we feel about workload can also change based on our personal circumstances, such as our own personal health issues and priorities.

According to research from Guarding Minds at Work, a workplace with positive workload management would be able to state that:

• The amount of work expected is reasonable for an employee’s position. 
• The employee feels comfortable speaking to their supervisor about the amount of work they have. 
• The employee has the equipment, resources, and time needed to do their job well. 
• The employee’s work is free from unnecessary interruptions and disruptions, and 
• The employee has control over how their tasks and responsibilities are prioritized. 

While a work environment with increased demands and less opportunity for control will lead to:

• Physical, psychological and emotional fatigue of employees
• Increased stress and strain, which ultimately affects performance and productivity
• Negative feelings about the workplace and job, and can lead to attraction and retention issues

When an employee is experiencing overwhelming workload stress they may feel:

• Exhausted 
• Distracted 
• Overwhelmed 
• Pressured 
• Frustrated 

They may also fear letting people down, being criticized or judged by peers or leaders, or fear the loss of their job.

An important reason to address workload management is related to burnout.  At its core, burnout is caused by work that demands continuous, long-term physical, cognitive or emotional effort.  It is recognized by the World Health Organization as a syndrome.  Its symptoms are physical and emotional and include feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from and feelings of negativity or cynicism towards one’s job; and a reduced ability to do one’s work.

Addressing workload management issues may significantly reduce feelings of burnout and provide space for restoration and recovery. In addition, creating a psychologically safe environment for employees to speak to their managers about potential workload management issues can help to avoid burnout by addressing issues in advance. Please refer to the sections on Psychological Safety [Link to page once live] for more information and tips on how to foster a trusting work environment.