FACTS — WORKLOAD & WORKPLACE WELLBEING
“Workload is an important part of workplace wellbeing.”
A busy period at work does not automatically mean a workplace is unhealthy. However, when high demands become persistent and there is not enough time, staffing, support or opportunity for recovery, the pressure can begin to affect both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Workload is not simply about the number of tasks someone has. It also includes the complexity, emotional demands, interruptions, deadlines and amount of mental energy required to complete them.
What can make a workload difficult to manage?
- Unrealistic or continually changing deadlines.
- Too many competing priorities.
- Insufficient staffing or resources.
- Frequent interruptions and task switching.
- Unclear expectations.
- Large amounts of emotionally demanding work.
- Regularly working beyond contracted hours.
- Not having enough opportunities for breaks.
- Additional responsibilities without additional time.
- Having little control over how work is organised.
People have different working capacities
The same workload can affect two employees very differently.
Disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, mental health, caring responsibilities, sleep, sensory demands and difficulties outside work can all influence the amount of energy someone has available.
This means workload should not simply be measured by asking:
“Everyone else manages it, so why can't you?”
A more useful question might be:
“What is making this workload difficult to manage, and what could we change?”
Signs workload may be becoming unsustainable
Someone might experience increasing exhaustion, irritability, difficulty concentrating, reduced confidence, mistakes, procrastination, working longer hours, skipping breaks, sleep difficulties or feeling unable to switch off after work.
These can be signs that the demands placed on the person are exceeding the resources available to them.
What can workplaces do?
Managers can regularly review workloads, clarify priorities, provide realistic deadlines, reduce unnecessary tasks, ensure appropriate staffing, encourage breaks and create opportunities for employees to raise concerns before they reach crisis point.
Workplace adjustments may also be appropriate where disability or health needs are affecting someone's ability to manage particular demands.
Remember
Burnout is not always a sign that an individual needs to become more resilient.
Sometimes the workload, environment or expectations themselves need to change.
Sustainable performance requires periods of effort AND opportunities for rest, recovery and support.
Space to Breathe Therapy
