Feeling Overloaded on the Job? Let Your Boss Know.

Grace Blumberg, LMSW on October 23, 2017

tags: At Work, Back to Work, Balancing Work & Cancer, Career Advice, Disclosure, Job Re-entry

Whether you’re struggling to manage side effects from treatment while on the job or easing your way back into the work routine after taking time off, there are many reasons why your workload may seem overwhelming. But if you’re feeling that you genuinely have too much on your plate, creating boundaries and communicating with your manager will help ensure you are doing your best work while keeping yourself sane and balanced. This is important for both your personal career goals and the success of your company.

The thought of broaching this topic with your manager may be daunting in itself, which is why The Job Network article “Here’s How to Tell Your Boss You Have Too Much Work” lays out a series of tips for having a professional, straightforward conversation. Below are a few of the main takeaways:

  • Frame the discussion around the idea that you don’t want to sacrifice the quality of your work, and be sure to have concrete examples.
  • Think creatively about potential solutions, such as staggering deadlines or outsourcing projects to other team members.
  • Stay positive, showing that you are willing and excited to take on the work that you can handle. If you’re having trouble figuring out the appropriate workload for yourself, don’t be afraid to ask someone who has an outside perspective.

Preparing ahead of time for these types of meetings is the best way to make them manageable and to give yourself a feeling of control. Here are a few resources to help guide your conversation, depending on where you are in your experience:

If you’re unsure of how you feel about disclosing your diagnosis at your job site, our Balancing Work & Cancer “Disclosure, Privacy & Online Brand” webinar has valuable information and points to consider. The entire Balancing Work & Cancer Webinar Series is also archived on our website.

If you’ve decided to disclose to your employer but are struggling with how to initiate the discussion, download our Manager’s Kit. Designed to help facilitate these conversations, it includes essential laws, workplace strategies and tips for working with your company’ s human resources department.

Additionally, if you’re heading back to work after receiving treatment, click here for tips on how to deal with potential issues at your workplace.