How to Manage a Heavy Workload

First and foremost, you’ll need to get organised. This will look different for everyone, depending on your job and personal work style. But, consider using things like a physical weekly planner, an online calendar with reminders, binders, files, paper trays and a sticky-note system to prioritise tasks and track deadlines.

 

Using even a simple system can be a powerful way to stay on top of the biggest workloads. When you are well organised you are much less likely to miss deadlines and you can work smarter, not harder.

 

Remember, for a calendar or to-do list to work, you need to use the system. Always note deadlines and keep a good list of tasks so you can manage them well. As projects develop, update your system and stay on task.

 

Your organisation system, deadlines and to-do lists will only help you conquer your heavy workload if you can focus on current tasks. Even if you are extremely organised, you won’t work your way through your tasks if you can’t stay focused.

 

Start by recognising what your personal distractions are. Notice if things like social media browsing, music, chatty coworkers or your smartphone are getting you off track throughout the day and then eliminate those problems.

 

Try listening to calm music to block out distracting sounds and only allow yourself to check in on social media during your lunch break. If you need to, put your phone in a drawer and only check it on predetermined breaks. Removing distractions will go a long way in helping you boost your productivity.

 

With distractions at bay, you can get into an efficient groove. Form good work habits that allow you to power through projects and knock items off your to-do list, helping you manage your heavy workload.

 

One technique that can work is setting up “work sessions” that are broken up with breaks. For example, for your first hour of work you may plan to check emails, follow up on projects and organise your day. Then, take a ten-minute break before you focus on a specific project until lunch.

 

This kind of organisation will help you get things done and avoid distractions, so you’ll be extremely productive and efficient, lightening your workload as you go.

 

Even when you’re extremely organised, set deadlines, eliminate distractions and stay focused, there is only so much one person can take on. Wise professionals know how much is too much and don’t take on more than they can handle. Remember, the point is not just to get things done, but to do things well.

 

If your workload is too heavy and you know that the quality of your work is suffering, it’s time to reach out to your team or your boss. Dividing responsibilities, delegating tasks or working with your boss to have some items reassigned or deadlines changed is sometimes the only solution to an unrealistic workload.

 

Use these tips to handle a heavy workload well, so you will not only complete all of your responsibilities, but also produce top-notch work.