Four Strategies to Combat Feeling Overwhelmed at Work

Feeling overwhelmed by your workload is a common issue in today's professional world, and it's likely something you've either experienced or can empathize with. Freelancers often refer to this as “scope creep,” a term that perfectly captures the feeling when the workload starts to exceed the boundaries of their contracts. It can be even more challenging for those on salaries to set limits or recognize when they're being crossed. The stress can become overwhelming, leading to the question: is my workload too much for one person to handle?

In a time of occasional layoffs due to downsizing or other factors, it's not uncommon for employees to shoulder a heavier workload to compensate for some gaps. This situation can lead to feelings of overwhelm as you struggle to manage the additional responsibilities.

Many young professionals fall into the trap of trying to impress supervisors, climb the corporate ladder faster, and push aside feelings of burnout. Burnout, which can cause a host of mental and physical health issues, including anxiety disorder, fatigue, depression, cardiovascular disease, and the like, is more common in millennials than ever before as they fight to pay their bills and juggle modern debts. Quite frankly, it can happen to anybody, as concerns of job security are not uncommon.

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing mental health is crucial for both personal satisfaction and professional success. To help you evaluate areas of improvement in your work life and move forward confidently and stress-free, here are four strategies to consider.

1. Ask for help from the right people

Factors like a heavy workload or a lack of experience could slow you down when starting a new position. Maybe there are some essential skills that would enhance your job performance you haven’t yet developed, or maybe others in your field have expertise in specific software you’re not yet familiar with.

Finding a seasoned professional in your industry or role to act as a mentor can greatly reduce the learning curve. These people can guide you on the most effective resources to use, how to communicate with your supervisor when overwhelmed, and offer invaluable insider advice from their experience. Make an effort to actively seek out this person (or people) and schedule a coffee or virtual meeting to network and gain valuable insights.

2. Make a list

When feeling overwhelmed at work, the most effective approach is to write everything down. List all the tasks and projects that need to be completed, along with those currently in progress and what has been finished. It’s important to write down every outstanding task, regardless of how small, as having a comprehensive to-do list is the only way to really assess your current work situation.

Consider estimating the time needed for each task and organizing them from the most time-consuming to the least. By putting everything on paper and organizing it in a way that helps you gauge the extent of work to be done, you can better manage and prioritize your workload.

According to a Workfront Study, the modern workplace is characterized by an overload of miscellaneous tasks. The study revealed that emails, meetings, and interruptions dominate the majority of the workday, leaving only 45% of a regular employee's day for primary tasks. So, it’s essential to find a way to address and alleviate the every day minutiae. Start with a list.

Note: you’re not obligated to respond to every disruption immediately. It’s okay to take the time you need to complete a project or task before addressing a colleague's email or meeting request. Prioritizing your work and managing interruptions can help you feel more productive during your day.

Tip: consider time blocking as a strategy. Time blocking is when you reserve various time slots in your day to focus on specific tasks, allowing you to work uninterrupted. Whether you choose to adopt time blocking or not, maintaining a consistent schedule for checking emails can be a lifesaver when dealing with a busy schedule. For instance, checking emails at 9 AM and 4 PM every day can help maintain productivity and prevent constant interruptions.

3. Revisit your initial job expectations

Reflect on the time when you first started in your role—your application, interview, and onboarding/training process. If you can find a copy of your job description or the original job posting, look over it. Does it reflect your daily responsibilities? Does your job description align with the tasks you perform regularly?

Consider your colleagues' responsibilities as well. Are you frequently managing tasks that are part of their job titles? Remember, these questions are not about fostering resentment or blame but about gaining clarity and deciding on your next steps.

If you decide to approach your boss, ensure that you’re in a calm and clear state of mind. Prepare specific examples that illustrate why you feel overwhelmed. Discuss the impact of your heavy workload on your output—this should be an open and honest conversation. For instance, has an important part of a project been overlooked? Suggest potential solutions to re-balance the workload.

Remember, this should not be about complaining. It's about seeking guidance on how to prioritize tasks and determine what might need to be outsourced or deferred to a later time.

4. Get down to the root cause

Outside of the more technical strategies, like creating lists, seeking mentors, or approaching your superior, it is equally important to pause and really assess the root cause of the issue. Sometimes, the entire team may be experiencing a stressful period with an increased workload, so it may just be a question of finding a time management method that works for you.

Many professionals find compiling to-do lists at the end of each workday beneficial. This practice ensures that you begin each day with a clear understanding of your schedule and tasks for the day ahead, helping you stay organized and on top of things.

With these four strategies, young professionals in fast-paced environments can start to regain control over hectic workdays, benefiting their mental and physical well-being. No matter the case, it’s vital to manage your stress effectively. Excessive stress will never lead to a positive outcome, and there is always a solution to navigating a challenging work situation. Implementing small, consistent changes can help restore your confidence and overall well-being in the workplace.

Connect with an LHH recruiter for more career guidance today.