Work overload has a significant impact on employees and people pulling their weight helps a business prosper. However, a delicate balance has to be struck between working hard and working too hard. One of the leading causes of employee stress is an excessive workload. According to a 2017 poll, 60% of workers reported an increase in work-related stress over the previous five years. Overwork and tight deadlines were cited as the major problems by more than one-third of respondents. Another 22% were having difficulty balancing work and personal life. The heavy workload is a critical problem since it has a significant impact on both the employees and the firm. It gradually encourages additional issues. As a manager, you must recognise the implications and take the appropriate actions before they become too severe.

Who is an Overworked Employee?

Overworked employees are those who take on, or are assigned too much work. An overworked employee is fatigued, worried, and at risk of burnout rather than giving their all and producing results. A fatigued employee is also more likely to make mistakes, which can be fatal in some situations. You have a responsibility to your staff, and an overworked employee puts everyone in danger of workplace mishaps.

The employees themselves experience a feeling of dread on the commute to the office. The reason behind this feeling is that in their mind they are about subject themselves to 8 hours of stress. Overworked employees will find it difficult to come to you with their problems due to job stress. There will be a feeling that an excessive workload is usual, and they may fear losing their employment if they say anything

There are a few major indicators of stress and being overworked. Here are a few examples:

• Missed familial commitments
• Working long hours and staying late
• A little more emotional than normal
• Decreased quality of work
• Voluntary turnover is rising.

4 Major Negative Effects of Overworking on Employees’ Health

Debilitating stress, emotional problems, and disease are all possible side effects. Burnout can result from having little control over an excessive task. With these mental and physical health issues costing the economy billions of dollars each year, it is critical to recognise the adverse effects of heavy workload and overworking. In addition, employers may lose bright personnel and find themselves hiring and training a rotating door of employees.

1. Stress and Burnout from Overworking

According to the American Institute of Stress, 80% of managers and employees are stressed at work. The biggest stressor is an overwhelming workload with extended hours. Workplace stress is caused by a slew of other issues, including a tense working atmosphere, toxic competitiveness among employees, and the feeling of walking on eggshells concerning job security

Workload and job stress contribute to burnout, which the World Health Organization defines as a type of prolonged work stress that depletes energy and lowers efficacy. 50% of workers have left their jobs due to burnout. Heavy workload causes burnout since employees have limited control over their tasks. They emotionally disconnect from co-workers and become progressively pessimistic about their situation. Cynicism combined with long hours saps the joy from work and exacerbates tiredness.

2. Damage to Career from poor performance

Work overload in the workplace, contrary to popular belief, can derail an otherwise successful career. According to Harvard Business Review, work performance might suffer when people are given more work than they can realistically do. Working numerous hours at breakneck speed may get praise at first, but it soon becomes the accepted standard of performance. Failure to consistently provide high-quality work can hurt performance reviews, merit pay eligibility, and advancement.

Discussions about workload with a manager might backfire if the supervisor is uncaring and regards the employee as sluggish, inefficient, or a complainer. Instead of being relieved from the anxiety, the employee is now worried about being replaced by someone who does not mind bringing work home or coming in on weekends. Fear of being fired can aggravate the situation by creating visible tension between the employee and the supervisor.

3. Poor Physical Health from not taking of health.

Work pressure frequently results in poor health and lower immunity against whatever sickness is circulating through the office. Too much work gives little time for exercise, meditation, relaxing, or preparing healthy meals. Self-neglect may hurt the body. Scientific research has proven a link between health deterioration and hard workload.

Research on workload impacts published in 2018, in the Sociology International Journal discovered that overworked hospital cleaning staff in India faced serious health problems, which are tied directly to lengthy and irregular hours spent cleaning rooms and serving patients. Hospital personnel were more likely than the general population to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic pain in their knees, hips, and lower back. When they were weary following a long day, they also reported raw nerves and irritation, which drove them to snap at co-workers and family members.

4. Depression and Anxiety from workload

A heavy workload can hurt emotional well-being or can cause mood swings, as well as job performance. Mood swings can cause problems with co-workers, managers, friends, and family. Reflecting and overthinking the workload raises anxiety and general discontent with the job. Concerns about keeping up can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, especially if the employer mentions speeding up.

Anxiety and feelings of powerlessness often accompany depression. Employees who believe they are already working at full capacity may succumb to despair, especially if they do not believe their supervisor is approachable. Depression lowers morale and diminishes organisational commitment. Overburdened workers may seek change employment with a more suitable organisation, even if it implies a wage drop, in the absence of remedies to a crushing workload.

According to Small Business Trends, 80% of overly worked employees believe they are burning out. Many employees are being compelled to work an increasing amount of hours without proper time off or breaks. As a result, both their job and their health suffer. You may believe that a hard burden at work would result in a more productive staff, but employee burnout and absenteeism will stymie your development. You must promote physical and mental well-being at work.

By leading by example, you may create a healthy work atmosphere and engage your team members. One approach to accomplish this is to implement an Employee Assistance Program that promotes well-being.

How to Get Rid of Employees’ Stress by managing the Workload

Managing employee workload may lead to decreased turnover rates, enhanced performance, and more revenue for your company. Sure, there may be situations when you need to go to great lengths to execute something and you may need to ask your team to do the same, and that is fine. However, ensure that it does not become a routine operation when your staff has to stay late in the office regularly. Moreover, eliminate unnecessary chores and simplify tedious duties. This is a terrific technique for your team to free up time for more critical and impactful tasks.

For example, consider outsourcing Social Media management if your marketing team is unable to carry it out efficiently and effectively. This is will allow them to spend more time on crucial tasks such as strategizing and research. In addition, depending on your sector, you may be able to invest in the most cutting-edge technology, automate repetitive and tedious functions, and thereby minimise the workload on your employees.