It can be scary to admit that you need help at work, but it’s important to talk about it. Not only can a high workload cause unnecessary stress and put you at risk of burnout, it can also compromise your ability to perform at your best. And that can have long-term consequences for your career. So how do you tell your boss that you’re overwhelmed?
ContentHow to tell your boss you're overwhelmed: stop saying “yes”Tip 2: consult with a colleagueHow to tell your boss you're overwhelmed: choose the right momentTip 4: offer solutions (and be open to suggestions)How to tell your boss you're overwhelmed: always follow throughTip 6: try to prevent it in the future
WomanEL will share with you simple tips and life hacks from career expert Jenny Devonshire.
How to Tell Your Boss You're Overworked: Stop Saying “Yes”
First of all, Make sure you don't take on more work than you need to. “The first step is to make a list of your current tasks and responsibilities and prioritize them based on importance and urgency,” advises Phelps.
“When your boss or colleague asks you for 10 minutes to do something for them, politely decline. Explain that you can't help them because you're working on X, which is currently at the top of your priority list.”
Tip 2: Consult with a colleague
Before you schedule a meeting or sit down with your boss, Devonshire recommends consulting with a trusted friend or colleague to “see if you’re really overwhelmed.”
“You may be so overwhelmed by your workload that you’re going into panic mode. That can lead to an inability to be productive,” she explains. “In that case, you can talk to a colleague or friend about how to break down your tasks into manageable chunks and develop a plan for how to manage your time wisely.”
Devonshire continues, “If they agree that your workload is unmanageable, you’ll feel more confident that your concerns are justified and not a question of your abilities.”
At this point, it’s also helpful to consider what’s making you feel overwhelmed and discuss it with your coworker. Is it the sheer volume of work you’re being given or the tight deadlines you’re under? Are you struggling with unclear priorities or are you just tired of working long hours? “Helping yourself understand how you’re feeling and what you can do to help will make it easier for you to talk to your boss about your issues and offer solutions,” says Phelps.
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How to Tell Your Boss You're Overworked: Pick the Right Time
The timing of your meeting is crucial. It can affect how your conversation goes. “Schedule your meeting with your boss at a time when they're not likely to feel overwhelmed. Don't overload them with impromptu conversation, and choose a quiet setting where you can focus and won't be interrupted,” says Phelps.
Once you’ve set a date (agreeing on a specific time is the best way to make sure the conversation actually happens, Devonshire explains), you need to write down everything you want to discuss at the meeting.
“Make sure you have a clear idea of what you need or want to say,” she says. “By writing down points and bringing your notes with you to the meeting, you can keep the conversation on track and concise.”
How to emphasize why your workload is too heavy? Devonshire recommends making a list of all the projects you’re working on, along with the hours it will take to complete them, so you can demonstrate that you can’t complete everything during your workday.
“Visual examples help paint a clearer picture. And it’s hard to argue with facts,” she says. “If you put it that way, your boss is more likely to understand the situation and want to find a solution.”
“You might also want to practice your conversation with a friend or colleague – another person’s perspective is always helpful. And rehearsing it out loud will give you confidence before the meeting. Your friend or colleague can also come up with alternative answers or questions that will help you prepare better.
Tip 4: Suggest solutions (and be open to suggestions)
Think together about a solution to the problem that will satisfy everyone, Source: freepik.com
In an ideal world, your boss would be able to relieve you of several tasks. But life doesn't always go the way we hope. In reality, your boss will most likely be looking for ways to get the job done, but with more flexibility regarding deadlines. Suggest how this can be done to make the conversation go more smoothly. This could be extending deadlines, delegating tasks to colleagues (without making them feel overwhelmed), or practical ways your boss can support you.
“Offering solutions will not only help resolve the situation. This will show your boss that you actively seek to improve the situation by being a responsible employee,” explains Devonshire.
“Making your own decisions also helps you feel more empowered, which gives you more options.” Taking responsibility like this should build trust between you and your boss. He’ll see that you’re actively trying to collaborate, not just cutting down on your to-do list.
Some potential solutions Devonshire recommends include:
- Postpone deadlines. “Can you postpone projects that aren’t urgent, so you can focus on other things without feeling like you’re failing?”
- Resource utilization. “Are there resources that can help you get your work done faster or more efficiently? If so, ask your boss to invest in them.”
- Automation. “Can any of your tasks be automated or performed less frequently so you have more time for more important things?”
- Delegation. “Can any of your tasks be delegated or shared with colleagues?”
How to tell your boss you're overloaded with work: always follow through
After a meeting, don't Leave everything for later. “After the meeting, check in with your boss to make sure you’re both on the same page and clear on what to do next,” says Phelps.
“Don't be afraid to clearly outline your boundaries in front of your team, not just your boss. You should give up extra tasks, take breaks when you need them, and prioritize self-care and taking care of your mental and physical health.
Tip 6: Try to prevent this in the future
As easy as it may be to say yes to everything you’re offered, Devonshire recommends using this experience as a lesson learned. It will help you set boundaries in the future.
“The next time your boss or coworker asks you to take on a new task, be realistic about how long it will take,” she says. “Explain to them what your current workload is and how long it will take to complete it. Then you can figure out if the new task is urgent. Find out if they want you to prioritize it over other things on your to-do list.”
“Explaining the situation like this will also help you with time management. You’ll be clear about what’s achievable and what’s a priority. It will also help your boss and/or coworkers see how much work you’re doing, instead of thinking you’re inefficient.”
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