Heavy workloads require individuals to do more than is possible with the time and resources available. A heavy workload is the most significant predictor of emotional exhaustion and staff burnout levels. When staff experience burnout, they are more likely to become disengaged or absent at work, consider leaving their job, and often experience health and mental health consequences.The best practices included in this section of the Hub are recommended by leading national workplace initiatives and researchers. Many are already implemented by many agency leaders across northwest Michigan in an effort to create reasonable workloads among their staff. Use these resources to identify actionable steps your organization can take to create more reasonable workloads and help employees better manage their workloads and reduce staff burnout.

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Implement Workload Management Strategies for Staff

  • The Work and Wellbeing Initiative sponsored by Harvard & MIT highlights the risks of high workloads and provides a summary of promising practices proven to reduce excessive work demands. The site also includes additional resources and toolkits.
  • The Reasonable Workload Best Practice Brief produced by the Retain BH Providers Action Team highlights national and local best practices for creating more balanced workloads and reducing workload stress.

Adopt Strategies for Reducing Workload Stress

Read the articles below for quick and easy activities employees an adopt to reduce workload stress.

Take Action

Be Proactive in Reducing Your Own Workload Stress

  • Ask for help when you need it
  • Take your lunch break

Create Workplace Conditions that Reduce Workload Stress

  • Check in with co-workers and colleagues about their workload
  • Implement group break time (makes employees more likely to take a break)
  • Implement the reflective supervision model
  • Create more flexible work schedules.

Reflective Question

Do you consider your workload to be reasonable? Do your co-workers or employees? How can you start conversations at work about workload challenges?

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