In today’s American workplaces, it is very common for employees to feel overwhelmed at work, and this can lead to decreased productivity, decreased job satisfaction, and both mental and physical reactions. It may be possible to connect.
There are signs to look out for that may indicate you are headed for a difficult situation.
FOX Business spoke to three career experts about how to better manage your workload so work pressures don’t spiral out of control.
Here’s what you need to know:
What are the early signs that a problem is about to occur?
Of course, each person and situation is different.
But early signs that people are feeling overwhelmed at work include struggling to meet deadlines, making more mistakes on projects, lower productivity due to heavy workloads, and feeling too busy to be efficient. This includes not being able to prioritize and meet deadlines, said Amy Glaser, senior vice president. President of Adecco, based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Mental health reactions can also be a sign that people are starting to feel overwhelmed.
“The first sign that someone is starting to feel overwhelmed is when they feel anxious about their job,” says Nicolette Rianza, LPCC-S, a psychotherapist at LifeStance Health in Beachwood, Ohio. “You start to get scared to even go to work,” he told FOX Business. .
“They start to feel like they can’t accomplish everything that’s expected of them, and it can be difficult to focus on what actually needs to be done.”
Additionally, people can start having trouble getting enough sleep at night because they can’t shut off their brains from worrying about their “to-do” list.
What is your physical and mental response when you feel overwhelmed?
Anxiety and stress can manifest physically in the form of headaches, stomach problems, and fatigue, which can go hand-in-hand with irritability and burnout, Leenza says.
“Of course, all of this will affect concentration, so people may make more mistakes and have difficulty making decisions,” she added.
Another consequence of “drowning” at work is that not only can you start thinking more negatively about your job, but you can also develop a fear of disappointing others. Yes, Leenza pointed out.
This combination of factors can make a bad situation at work even worse.
What measures should you take to prevent problems at work from snowballing?
Experts say it’s acceptable for employees to speak up if managers are asking them to take on more work on top of their other duties.
“They need to be proactive and tell their boss that they’re feeling overwhelmed and see if they can come up with a plan together to reduce the stress,” Leenza told FOX Business. Told.
On that note, some employees may worry that if they tell their boss they can’t take on any more work, they’ll be seen as a difficult employee or not a team player. However, this philosophy cuts both ways.
“I’m sure the boss would rather have the employee set boundaries than have the employee quit and retrain someone else for the job,” Leenza says.
“Managers should also ensure they create a work environment where employees can speak up when they feel overwhelmed.”
Starting a conversation with a trusted boss or manager about feeling overwhelmed at work is a great way to address workload challenges, says Stephanie Douglas, chief human resources officer at San Francisco, Calif.-based Quizlet. They agreed that it could serve as a vital first step.
“Transparency is paramount in this conversation,” Douglas said. “Express your concerns and experiences openly, and provide specific examples of work or projects that cause burnout.”
Another strategy for managing feelings of stress is to seek support from colleagues, mentors, or human resources.
“Talking to someone who can provide guidance and perspective on the situation can alleviate some of the isolation and stress you may feel,” Douglas told FOX Business.
What might happen if the problem persists?
Adecco’s Glaser said if someone continues to feel overwhelmed at work, there can be several negative consequences for the individual, their co-workers and their employer.
“When individuals feel stuck, there is an increased risk of miscommunication and tension across the team, which can lead to inaccuracies and delays,” Glaser said.
“Stress and anxiety can lead to poor performance, strained relationships, and ultimately burnout in the role.”
