Let’s talk workload posters

Let’s learn to talk about workload

  • The amount of work I am expected to do is reasonable for my position
  • I can talk to my supervisor about the amount of work I have to do
  • I have the equipment, resources and time needed to do my job well
  • My work is free from unnecessary interruptions and disruptions
  • I have control over how my tasks and responsibilities are prioritized
Complete series of posters

Oct 16-20

Workload awareness

Oct 23-27

Let's learn to talk about workload

Oct 30-Nov 3

Let's talk workload

Nov 6-10

Psychological safety includes workload

Nov 13-17

Let's learn to talk about workload

Nov 20-24

What are some of the barriers and challenges that might cause workload issues?

Nov 27-Dec 1

You are not alone. We need to talk about workload.

Dec 4-8

Let's talk about getting SMART on workload

Workload awareness

In an organization with positive workload management, employees might say:

Let’s talk about workload

Creating change depends on creating awareness first.

Let’s talk workload

What kinds of things can we talk about when we want to talk about our workload?

  • Accurate records of hours worked
  • Paid and unpaid overtime in the last year
  • Complaints or grievances related to workload
  • Employee feedback on workload and work pace
  • Times of higher and lower demand
  • Mental health check
  • Work scheduling challenges
  • Additional work, tasks or duties due to open positions
  • Task specific training or support
  • Clear expectations
  • Ability to manage your work or a mechanism to ask for help without fear

… what else can we talk about?

Psychological safety includes workload

Let’s talk workload

Let’s learn to talk about workload

  • The amount of work I am expected to do is reasonable for my position
  • I can talk to my supervisor about the amount of work I have to do
  • I have the equipment, resources and time needed to do my job well
  • My work is free from unnecessary interruptions and disruptions
  • I have control over how my tasks and responsibilities are prioritized

What are some the barriers and challenges that might cause workload issues?

  • Unrealistic deadlines
  • Overtime and unpaid work
  • Conflicting demands
  • Unclear expectations
  • Inadequate resources
  • Staffing issues
  • Too many demands, too little time
  • Inability to prioritize (and/or take things off the plate)
  • Fear of repercussions or being perceived as incompetent

When we’re experiencing overwhelming workload stress we may feel:

  • Exhausted
  • Distracted
  • Overwhelmed
  • Pressured
  • Frustrated
  • We may fear letting people down.
  • We may fear being criticized or judged by our peers or leaders.
  • We may even fear the loss of our job.

You are not alone.

We need to talk about workload.

Let’s talk about getting SMART on workload:

  • S – specific
  • M – measurable
  • A – achievable
  • R – relevant
  • T – timely