Feeling stressed, overworked, frazzled? Join the club. Downsizing, staff cuts and a faster business cycle have given most managers increased responsibilities but not more hours in the day or more pay.
How do you prevent burnout? It’s a two-front war, according to Marcia Zidle of Retention Hooks in Dallas, which provides strategic solutions to recruit and retain employees.
“The employee has to speak up about what he can handle, and the supervisor has to make sure there’s enough support in the workplace that the employee feels valued,” Zidle said.
But many managers are hesitant to speak out about being overwhelmed because they don’t want to seem whiny or as if they can’t handle as much as their peers.
However, if the manager frames the concern in the context of “Hey, I know everyone is busy, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed–can you help me prioritize my responsibilities so I’m accomplishing what’s most important to you,” Zidle said it won’t sound as if the employee is trying to shirk his duties.
Plus, he’ll know what he absolutely has to get done to make his boss happy.
If the manager doesn’t have enough resources to do his job, Zidle suggests setting up a meeting with the boss.
At the meeting, outline the timetable to complete projects, the expected outcome for each project and the actual outcome of each project with the current resources. This way, no one will be surprised with the results and the manager is making his feelings known in a constructive manner.
And remember to be empathetic. When talking to your boss, remember that you’re not the only one who’s feeling strapped.
“It’s important to remember that whatever you’re going through, your boss is, too. So if you feel like you’re drowning in work, she probably does, too. It’s a good idea to acknowledge that,” said Peggy Klaus, a leadership coach in Berkeley, Calif.
Supervisors, for their part, must ensure that they are providing a workplace that an employee can thrive in. That includes allowing employees to define their jobs so they can take ownership of their work.
Supervisors need to be up front, too. If there’s no way you can hire extra staff to help your employees until July, then tell them.
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