Do not suffer stress in silence
With companies downsizing or retrenching, many of us may find ourselves taking on more work. So we often have to learn a new role, pick up where colleagues left off and perhaps smooth the ruffled feathers of customers who invariably dislike change. If you are being asked to work back too often, here are some tips and techniques on how to raise the issue in a professional manner.
If it is a disagreement with another staff member, try to sort it out yourself; employers dislike getting involved in personality disputes. If you feel as though you are the one working back late, or taking work home on the weekend, rather than moan about how unfair it is, ask your boss if they could put aside some time to talk to you.
When you have the meeting, have a few notes ready. Do not waffle on, be direct about what is worrying you and suggest how it can be solved. Keep the meeting short and only discuss your particular concerns. If you feel nervous about a face-to-face meeting, or your boss does not have time to meet with you, send an e-mail and say that you would appreciate them getting back to you after reading it. An e-mail has the added advantage of giving the boss time to think about your concerns. But never send an e-mail when you are tired, irritable or worse, had a couple of drinks.
Say clearly what is worrying you. Make sure though that you are not working back because you are not working back because you are not managing your workload. If it is general work that is building up because of certain factors, suggest someone be put in charge of allocating the extra workload so it can be shared equally.
It is possible that the boss may not be aware that you have been bearing the brunt of the extra workload and has a solution of their own to rectify it. If they cannot or choose not to, you may need to speak to their superior if they have one. If, however, you cannot go any higher, do not stalk off in a huff. Even if you really feel you cannot continue to work at this pace, do not rashly leave yourself in financing difficulties. But get your antenna up and make your move when the time is right. — The Guardian
