What do you do if your workload is overwhelming and productivity is suffering?

The first step in tackling your workload is figuring out what the actual work entails. Putting your to-do list will help you visualize the work that needs to be completed. The next step in organizing your work is prioritization. What’s the most important thing on this list? What can wait for tomorrow? What needs to happen now? After establishing your priorities, give yourself deadlines. Setting your own deadlines allows you to minimize procrastination. If the workload remains unmanageable despite these efforts, better to discuss the situation with your supervisor to explore potential solutions. An overwhelming workload can be daunting, but it should never take over your life.

Cuando la carga de trabajo se vuelve abrumadora afectando a la productividad hay que considerar dos posibilidades: Que el jefe este exigiendo un esfuerzo continuado fuera de toda lógica o que sea por aspectos propios de la auto organización del Trabajo o por coyunturas del mercado. En el primer caso hay que plantear el tema con el jefe y argumentar el exceso de Trabajo, En el segundo caso es requerido priorizar las tareas centrándose en ?as importantes y urgentes, delegar si es posible algunas tareas a miembros del equipo, revisar la organización y planificación y revisar semanalmente la carga de trabajo y la productividad. Recordando siempre que sentirse abrumado en ocasiones no significa estar haciendo las cosas mal

Let’s try first to de-clutter, re-prioritise, learn to ask for help or load sharing in smarter ways, finally have the courage to say ‘We need to re-order the sequence etc ‘ or even a neceseraily firm ‘No’ in extreme / unreasonable cases. But be prepared to justify why it is all too much:).

Eat the elephant in small bites , prioritize the work , tackle the low hanging fruit first then delegate where you can. Get rid of the clutter and non value adding tasks

When faced with overwhelming workload and declining productivity, it's essential to take proactive steps to regain control. Firstly, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, focusing on high-impact activities. Secondly, break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Thirdly, consider delegating tasks to team members or seeking assistance if feasible. Fourthly, establish a structured schedule with dedicated time blocks for different tasks, incorporating regular breaks to prevent burnout. Fifthly, practice effective time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking.

While delegation is often advised for managing workload, my experience with diverse teams has shown it's not the sole solution. True efficiency lies in evaluating each task's necessity. Before delegating, I assess tasks for value, streamline, and cut redundancies (Mudas = waste). This strategy reduces workload and focuses efforts on impactful activities. Empowering teams means involving them in this process, promoting efficiency and collective responsibility. This approach doesn't just lighten the immediate load but fosters a team skilled in prioritization, enhancing long-term productivity and well-being. It's a shift from simply distributing tasks to cultivating a strategic, efficient team culture. It is going to have true impact!

Há a necessidade de distribuir parte da carga de trabalho para outros membros da equipe ou colegas que tenham as habilidades e capacidades necessárias para realizar as tarefas. Isso n?o apenas alivia a sobrecarga individual, mas também promove a colabora??o e o desenvolvimento de habilidades entre os membros da equipe, resultando em uma distribui??o mais equilibrada do trabalho e uma produtividade geral aprimorada.

Simplificar os processos de trabalho ajuda a reduzir a complexidade e o tempo gasto em atividades desnecessárias ou burocráticas, tornando mais fácil lidar com uma carga de trabalho excessiva. Identificar e eliminar etapas redundantes ou complicadas nos processos de trabalho permite uma execu??o mais eficiente das tarefas, liberando tempo e recursos para focar nas atividades mais importantes e produtivas.

In the context of exit planning and business transitions, where I spend most of my time, effective time management is not only about productivity but also about ensuring a smooth transition over the long term. It's about understanding where to invest your time to build value and prepare the business for a future transition. This could mean focusing on strategic initiatives, succession planning, or preparing for M&A activities. The key is to be clear on your desired outcome and align your priorities accordingly.

A great way to manage your time effectively is to apply the Do-Delegate-Defer method. If done correctly, it literally takes 2 minutes or less to distinguish the tasks at hand and get the most urgent ones out of the way

Seeking support is a form of strength, not weakness. In the high-pressure, fast-paced healthcare environment, seeking support can manifest differently. This could mean reaching out to team members during a complex project, consulting with mentors across the industry for fresh perspectives, or simply taking time for self-care and stress management when needed. I've learned that acknowledging my limits and finding appropriate avenues for support has made me far more effective overall – as a pharmacist focused on my patients, and now as a strategist aiming to shape the industry.

Sometimes, the best path to managing overwhelm is revisiting the goals themselves. Particularly in passionate fields like healthcare, ambition can sometimes outstrip capacity. In those moments, it's crucial to take a clear-eyed look at whether goals are too ambitious, timeframes too tight, or if circumstances have simply shifted significantly. It may not always be easy, but the willingness to adjust expectations in a realistic way is key to long-term success and preventing burnout.

Start by prioritizing tasks and focusing on the most important and urgent ones first. Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks, and set realistic goals and deadlines for completing them. Delegate tasks where possible and ask for help or support from colleagues or supervisors if needed. Take regular breaks to rest and recharge, and consider implementing time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique to improve focus and productivity. Additionally, communicate with your supervisor or manager about your workload and any challenges you're facing, and work together to identify potential solutions or adjustments to ensure that you can manage your workload effectively while maintaining productivity.