It is now generally known that the workload is too high for many employees. In various fields (such as healthcare and education), the workload is experienced as too high. It is striking that no less than 55 percent of employees experience stress because he or she does not dare to set limits in time.
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It does not surprise me that the percentage of female employees who experience work pressure and work stress is also higher than that of men. Women have always had a harder time saying "No" to others, and that problem also arises with the boss. Some kind of guilt syndrome. Female employees are more likely (62 percent) to suffer from a high workload than men (47 percent). Of course, the work stress arises because they do not clearly indicate their limits. Whether they make a career or not. But it could well be an additional reason why there are fewer women in top positions than men, and that the gender balance in these positions is sometimes hard to find.
Too much work pressure is a result of changes in the workplace, too little staff, but also too high expectations of the person in question. Due to a different way of working alone, 45 percent of employees indicate that they suffer from work stress. Am I doing it right? Am I going to understand? Am I still done with everything on time? These are all questions that play a role when working conditions change and work pressure increases.
Changes in working conditions are now an integral part of the working life of employees. Subject to technical progress and changes in the (social) media landscape, these changes are increasing. And with it the work pressure and work stress.
To reduce the workload, you can of course turn to your boss. Blame him. But that is not the solution in all cases. In some situations, the solution also lies with you. Learn to set your boundaries better. Be more aware of your added value within the company, stay involved, but also make sure that your manager knows what is going on inside you.
By this I don't mean that you have to knock on your boss's office door every day (or every week). But an evaluation twice a year is not enough to keep each other informed. Do you experience work stress? In that case, make sure that you discuss this with your manager.
It is not only his job to ensure that you get 'direction' in your job, it is also his job to make sure that you feel good about yourself. But he can't do that alone, he (or she) needs your input.
To begin with, learn to be honest with yourself and others. Where are your limits? Do you find it difficult to work overtime because you have children at home waiting for you? Then tell your boss honestly that you like to work for the company, but that your family is also important to you. Together you can then look for a solution that works satisfactorily for both parties.
Have you indicated your limits to your manager, but do you feel the work pressure and therefore the work stress increasing due to certain decisions that were made outside of you? Then make sure you are on your toes and recognize the moment. Feel that your border is being cheated!
A logical consequence of recognizing your boundary is that you also protect it. Or not. But if you don't protect that boundary, make sure it's a conscious choice! And preferably you also make sure that your manager is aware that you are exceeding your limit. For him. Or for her. NEVER, ever cross your border without reporting it. It is your own responsibility.
I wish you a lot of success with your work stress and hope that in the future you will go into battle better armed because you know better where your limits lie and what work pressure you can handle. And if you don't like the end result, you can always become a freelancer 😉 .
Can you set your boundaries well or does your workload also increase without you being able to do anything about it?
Shutterstock photo of woman behind pc by Monkey Business Images
