Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

You're struggling to manage your workload. How can you address this with your manager effectively?

Finding yourself overwhelmed by an ever-growing list of tasks and responsibilities can be daunting. It's not uncommon to feel like you're drowning in work, unable to see a way out. But remember, you're not alone. Many people struggle with workload management, and it's important to realize that sometimes, the best course of action is to reach out for help. Communicating with your manager about the challenges you're facing is a critical step in regaining control of your time and tasks. This article will guide you through the process of addressing workload concerns with your manager effectively, ensuring that you can continue to perform at your best without succumbing to burnout.

1 Assess Needs

Before approaching your manager, take a step back and evaluate your current workload. Identify which tasks are consuming the most time and whether they align with your key responsibilities. Are there projects that could be delegated or deadlines that may be extended? Understanding the specifics of your situation will not only help you articulate your concerns clearly but also allow you to propose potential solutions, demonstrating your proactive approach to time management.

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Celine Baclet
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Faire ce travail d'évaluation de ta charge de travail est vraiment important. Au-delà d'avoir une vue d'ensemble claire et des arguments factuels pour en discuter, tu démontres surtout que tu es une personne organisée et proactive. Ce sont des qualités très recherchées.

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2 Prepare Data

When you're ready to discuss your workload, bring concrete data to the table. Track the time you spend on different tasks over a period and note any recurring bottlenecks. This evidence provides a clear picture of where your time goes, making it easier for your manager to understand the scope of the issue. It's not about complaining; it's about presenting facts that underscore the need for adjustments.

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Celine Baclet
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La meilleure façon de discuter de votre charge de travail, c'est d'apporter des données concrètes en traquant votre temps. Utilisez des applications comme toggl ou clockify pour le faire et tenez un journal de bord quotidien qui sera le reflet de votre investissement temps. Ce sont des données ultra-objectives qui sont le reflet de votre quotidien.

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3 Schedule Talk

Timing is everything. Request a meeting at a moment when your manager can give you their undivided attention. Avoid busy periods or end-of-day rush hours. When you schedule the talk, mention that you'd like to discuss workload management—this ensures your manager is mentally prepared for the conversation, and it sets the stage for a constructive dialogue.

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Celine Baclet
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Pour demander un RDV, évitez : ❌ les lundis ❌ les vendredis ❌ les fins de journées Et faites simple pour proposer ce RDV : ✅ un email court et clair qui mentionne le sujet ✅ 2 ou 3 créneaux proposés 👉 Exemple : "Bonjour X, auriez-vous 30 minutes cette semaine pour discuter de la gestion de ma charge de travail ? Je suis disponible mardi à 10h, mercredi à 14h ou jeudi à 11H. Merci"

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Rashelle Isip

I help successful entrepreneurs overcome overwhelm and get things done in their businesses | Productivity Consultant | Time Management Coach | Organization Expert | Speaker | Author | LinkedIn Top Voice | Inc. Columnist
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You may find it helpful to create a brief agenda for your talk. This way, you can easily stay focused on your top concerns and stay on track during your conversation.

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4 Propose Solutions

Come to the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Instead of just presenting problems, offer practical solutions. Maybe there's a way to streamline processes, prioritize tasks differently, or redistribute work among the team. Your willingness to be part of the solution will likely be appreciated and can lead to more productive outcomes.

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Celine Baclet
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3 conseils pour des solutions collaboratives : 💡 PENSEZ AUX AUTRES - Quels sont les problèmes communs ? - Quelles sont les taches qui touchent aussi vos collègues ? 💡 PENSEZ AMÉLIORATION POUR TOUS - Comment travailler mieux ensemble ? - Quels outils pourraient aider ? 💡 PENSEZ RÉPARTITION DU TRAVAIL - Qui est bon en quoi dans l'équipe ? - Quelle répartition serait plus pertinente pour que chacun fasse ce qu'il fait de mieux ? Le but est de montrer comment vos idées peuvent aider tout le monde, pas juste vous.

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Rashelle Isip

I help successful entrepreneurs overcome overwhelm and get things done in their businesses | Productivity Consultant | Time Management Coach | Organization Expert | Speaker | Author | LinkedIn Top Voice | Inc. Columnist
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When proposing solutions, ask yourself, "What would make this easier for myself, my manager, and my coworkers?" Taking a bird's eye view of time management issues can help address day-to-day concerns.

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5 Follow Up

After your meeting, it's important to follow up. If you and your manager have agreed on certain changes, keep track of how they're impacting your workload. Are the adjustments helping? Is there something that didn't work as well as expected? Regular updates will show your manager that you are committed to improving the situation and may prompt further action if necessary.

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6 Reflect & Adapt

Finally, take time to reflect on how changes are affecting your work-life balance and productivity. Adaptation is key in time management. If certain strategies aren't working, be ready to reassess and discuss further modifications with your manager. Continuous improvement will not only help you manage your workload better but also demonstrate your flexibility and resilience.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Anne Boccato

Compassionate Time Management Coach | Musician | Educator
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Keep in mind that while you want to do excellent work, your employer doesn't "own" you. If they are not receptive to your genuine need for accommodation, know that you're still only human and cannot realistically take on an unreasonable workload without burning out. You are not a unit of productivity, you are a person! Therefore, prioritize yourself and your wellbeing, even if your work environment perhaps does not. Try your best to complete your work during your contracted hours, but don't beat yourself up if that doesn't always happen. No employer is entitled to our "blood, sweat and tears" – give them an appropriate amount of sweat, and hold sturdy boundaries around the rest.

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You're struggling to manage your workload. How can you address this with your manager effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Prepare Data

3 Schedule Talk

4 Propose Solutions

5 Follow Up

6 Reflect & Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Time Management

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You're struggling to manage your workload. How can you address this with your manager effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Prepare Data

3 Schedule Talk

4 Propose Solutions

5 Follow Up

6 Reflect & Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Time Management

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