Is your job particularly stressful? Do you find yourself constantly on the back foot when it comes to your workload? We’ve all been there and it can be difficult to find a way out or to feel like you’re on top of things again. But with a few simple steps, managing your workload can make all the difference and finding ways to ease stressful situations at work can change your outlook and your general happiness in your job. And it can improve the relationship you have with your colleagues as wellas your clients.
Let’s get organised
Writing lists is a great way to mentally prepare yourself with the work you have on. Whether you start writing your list at the beginning of the day or you end the day with it, it’s a great way to visually show your workload and to prioritise the big jobs. Plus how satisfying is it when you’ve completed a task and you get to cross it off the list?
Time out
When you have a busy schedule it seems like the most logical thing to do is to work through your breaks to get more done. Over a third of British workers are guilty of doing this according to research company Ginger Comms. The same study found that the average employee only manages to get through around three hours of work every day and usually stay at work late to get their work done. Would regular breaks help us be more productive? Try getting five minutes of fresh air, or simply not eating your lunch at your desk to break the rhythm and to give you some space during your busy day.
Talk to your colleagues
Your colleagues don’t have to just be there to get work done. They can act as your friends and be there for support. Speaking to colleagues can show you how you’re not on your own, and you can help you find new solutions to dealing with stress at work. It's a great opportunity to work as a team as well. Help each other and think, 'what can I do to help your workload and what can you do to help mine?'
Talk to your manager
If your boss isn't aware, then how can your boss help you? It's a sensitive subject to broach. You don't want to come across like you don't want to do your job, so think about the way you word it to your boss before you meet and be prepared. Think about how you can prioritise your work rather than outright saying you just can't do it.
This blog was brought to you by Laura Piner from the Preston branch.
