How to Manage Your Workload
I moved jobs around 6 months ago and 3 months into my new role, my manager announced they were leaving. I was filled with dread, anxiety, and a constant feeling of worry about how I would cope with their departure, and all the other work I needed to do. I was new, didn’t know what I was doing and understood I would be taking on a larger role for a small period, which I hadn’t expected.
Fast-forward 3 months, I have got through that phase and now have a new manager. Although there were times when it all got very overwhelming and I thought I couldn’t do it, there were some tips and tricks, which I have learnt along the way, which have helped me in this huge learning curve!
PRIORTISE
If you have a list as long as your arm to get through, make sure you prioritise the top 5 things you need to do. Tick them off and you will start to feel you are making your way through your huge workload. This will also help to see which pieces of work bring most value to your team and company, you can then begin to push back on some of the jobs which just aren’t as important.
SAY NO
You are allowed to say no at work. It should be completely understood if you are taking too much on. Speaking to my friends, we all seem to be in a similar position. It is hard as we want to do everything, but you can’t. Some good ways of saying no are “I would really like to help on this project, but I don’t have the capacity to take this on at this time” or “This sounds like a really great idea, could we speak to another team to help lead on this initiative, as we don’t have the resource to continue with this at the moment.”
SPEAK TO YOUR TEAM
I am very lucky that I have a brilliant team around me. I would suggest opening up and talking to them about your workload. Most of the time, your colleagues are always happy to help you out. You also may find this helps your grow closer to your team as you are working together, rather than trying to do everything alone. You must remember they have once been in your position, so probably knows what it feels like.
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
The work/life balance is so important now. Even when there are periods at work where it is extremely busy, it is important to step back and still do the things you enjoy. This may be reading a book, going on a 20-minute walk, or having a coffee with a friend. These things are all allowed and will help to put your mind at ease and come back refreshed, for a few more hours of work ahead.
EXERCISE
Exercise for me is the thing that keeps me sane! If you make 30-45 minutes for yourself a few times a week you will feel better. If you are struggling for motivation, then ask a friend to join a class with you or do a completely new class or activity you have never done. If you sign up to Class Pass you get 2 weeks’ worth of free credits to trial new things. I did this and found a new Spin class 5 minutes down the road from me, it is now part of my weekly routine and although I dread it, I feel amazing when I am there and even better after.
I hope these 5 tips really do help in how to manage your workload. Make sure you work hard but also give time for yourself; you are equally as important as your job!
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