Five ways to tell your boss you have too much work
, ET Bureau|
Updated: Nov 02, 2017, 11.31 PM IST
If you find yourself putting in extra long hours at work while the to-do list keeps mounting, chances are that you are overworked. When you can’t devote adequate time and attention to each task, you feel constantly stressed and your performance takes a beating. We bring you suggestions from experts on how to tell your boss that you have too much work.
1. Be Objective
If you are a good performer and a consistent one, and happen to push back some work due to work pressure, it won’t show up badly on you. “The key is to be objective and fair in your evaluation of the workload. Although it may seem overwhelming, bosses feel comforted when their employees are transparent about their work pressure, emotions at work and support that they seek,” said Saba Adil, chief people officer at Aegon Life Insurance.
2. Be A Solution Seeker
Don’t whine about your workload; it is better to give constructive suggestions instead. “Discuss possible interventions and support with timely delivery with your boss. This will help you manage timelines without impacting quality and commitments,” said Adil.
3. Rethink The Priorities
It is a good idea to make a list of projects you are working on and tasks that need your focus, as well as the hours that you will need to put in. “Consulting with your manager on priority listing for these tasks will give the message that there is too much on your plate,” said Aditya Narayan Mishra, CEO of CIEL HR Services.
4. Give Regular Reports
Reporting regularly about how your work is progressing makes sure that your manager understands what you are focused on. “Even if the manager does not ask for it, it is good practice to request for and set up periodical review sessions – and it is perfectly all right to highlight areas where you are feeling overstretched,” said Arsh Maini, CEO of Candela Labs.
5. Don’t Say Yes Immediately
Learn the art of saying no to more work if you are already struggling with your workload. You can buy a little time by telling your manager you will evaluate your workload and then respond. “It’s not just about IQ (intelligence quotient) or how good you are at your work, it is also about EQ (emotional quotient) and how one works with colleagues and seniors,” said Maini.
1. Be Objective
If you are a good performer and a consistent one, and happen to push back some work due to work pressure, it won’t show up badly on you. “The key is to be objective and fair in your evaluation of the workload. Although it may seem overwhelming, bosses feel comforted when their employees are transparent about their work pressure, emotions at work and support that they seek,” said Saba Adil, chief people officer at Aegon Life Insurance.
2. Be A Solution Seeker
Don’t whine about your workload; it is better to give constructive suggestions instead. “Discuss possible interventions and support with timely delivery with your boss. This will help you manage timelines without impacting quality and commitments,” said Adil.
3. Rethink The Priorities
It is a good idea to make a list of projects you are working on and tasks that need your focus, as well as the hours that you will need to put in. “Consulting with your manager on priority listing for these tasks will give the message that there is too much on your plate,” said Aditya Narayan Mishra, CEO of CIEL HR Services.
4. Give Regular Reports
Reporting regularly about how your work is progressing makes sure that your manager understands what you are focused on. “Even if the manager does not ask for it, it is good practice to request for and set up periodical review sessions – and it is perfectly all right to highlight areas where you are feeling overstretched,” said Arsh Maini, CEO of Candela Labs.
5. Don’t Say Yes Immediately
Learn the art of saying no to more work if you are already struggling with your workload. You can buy a little time by telling your manager you will evaluate your workload and then respond. “It’s not just about IQ (intelligence quotient) or how good you are at your work, it is also about EQ (emotional quotient) and how one works with colleagues and seniors,” said Maini.
