Most people have periods at work when their to-do list feels impossible. A busy month, a tight deadline or an unexpected project can mean you need to work harder (and longer) than usual. But what happens when an excessive workload becomes the norm?
Can you push back without looking unprofessional, or are you better off finding a role where expectations are more realistic?
Start seeing the wood for the trees
Before raising the issue, take an honest look at your workload. Are you dealing with a temporary busy period, or have you consistently been given more work than you can reasonably complete? Are priorities constantly changing? Are deadlines regularly unrealistic? Are you being expected to take on responsibilities that would normally sit with another role?
It is also worth considering whether there are efficiencies you could introduce yourself. Better organisation, clearer prioritisation or a conversation about how you use your time may solve part of the problem. Stand back, away from the chaos, and try to be realistic.
Pushing back can be professional
Pushing back does not have to mean saying, “I can't do this.” A professional approach is often about highlighting the situation up the chain and asking for their input on prioritisation. This shows that you are thinking about the business rather than simply refusing work.
It can also help to be specific. Instead of saying that you are overwhelmed, explain what you are managing, what deadlines you are working towards and where the conflict lies.
For example, if you are asked to complete another urgent piece of work, you could ask which of your existing deadlines should move to accommodate it.
Know when the situation is different
There is a significant difference between a demanding job and an unsustainable one.
If your employer listens when you raise concerns, helps you prioritise and makes reasonable adjustments to deadlines or workloads, there is probably something worth working with.
However, if you repeatedly raise the same issue and nothing changes, that tells you something important.
The same applies if working excessive hours is treated as normal or you are made to feel guilty for having reasonable boundaries.
At that point, the problem may not be your ability to manage your workload. It may be the expectations attached to the role itself or the office culture.
When it could be time to move on
You should not feel that leaving is the only answer every time work gets busy. Equally, you should not feel obliged to remain somewhere that consistently expects more than one person can realistically deliver.
If you have tried communicating, prioritising and finding solutions but the workload remains unreasonable, it may be worth quietly exploring what else is available.
The right role should challenge you, but it should also allow you to do your job well without constantly feeling that you are falling behind.
We’re here to help you find the right role
If you are ready to explore a role with expectations that better match your skills and experience, and a culture that’s collaborative, we can help you explore what’s next. Submit your CV.