Do you have a high workload and would you like to take on even more tasks?
Stress is inevitable.
This is how you can say 'no'.
Demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers and sometimes different ideas about working models - some companies are lacking employees.
For the remaining employees, this often means that they have to take on more tasks.
This can lead to overwork, stress or burnout - but as an employee, do you actually have the power to say 'no' to more tasks?
Job: Communication is the be-all and end-all, even when there is a lack of staff
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Folders piled up on your desk?
You can also decline tasks.
(icon picture)
© Andriy Popov/Imago
Overtime here or a new job there, if there are not enough staff, the tasks for individual people become more.
It's a simple calculation - but employers can influence the tricky situation a bit - with transparency and communication.
"It depends on how the company prepared it - are there catch mechanisms?
Has it been made clear that you are understaffed at the moment?” Mareike Bruns, mental health expert, explains in an interview with IPPEN.MEDIA.
According to Bruns, there are a number of ways of relieving the burden on employees, for example deadlines can be adjusted, external support can help temporarily in the event of a staff shortage, or there can be offers of talks for stressed employees.
Stress at work can lead to layoffs
Being overwhelmed by growing tasks can quickly lead to frustration at work.
Along with this, people can develop a feeling of severe exhaustion and this can lead to reduced productivity.
The consequences can be resignation or layoffs, which would further exacerbate the overall problem.
It would also be possible for more people to quit quietly. The phenomenon is known as 'quiet quitting' and describes employees who only do the contractually agreed work.
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Job: Say 'no' to tasks with four tips
If you want to turn away more tasks from yourself, then you can't avoid talking.
The Businessinsider
portal
asked labor experts for their take on how to say 'no' to tasks at work, and communication is an important factor in this.
For example, according to Jessica Kriegel, a workplace culture researcher at Culture Partners, it is important to ask for help.
A gentle way to ask if someone will help prioritize tasks is to imply that you can't do the tasks.
Job: Targeting executives
Always prioritize the tasks your manager has given you first and stay in touch with them.
You should also point out that a workload can possibly be too high.
For tasks assigned to you by others, you can always refer to your manager.
It is possible, for example, that you first have to consult on how your work is to be used.
This makes it easier for you to avoid tasks and indirectly push your manager into the role of the villain.
Termination of the employment contract: the most important facts that everyone should know
Termination of the employment contract: the most important facts that everyone should know
More tasks?
Ask for time to think
Don't answer if you may be taken by surprise.
It is better to ask for time to think about it and think about whether you want to take on certain tasks.
With a bit of distance, you manage to find the right answer for you and your individual situation and to justify it in a meaningful way.
Stress at work: Observe and reflect
Observe and reflect on whether the additional tasks are just a temporary thing or whether there is always an additional burden.
If this is the case, it is possible that you will not be happy at work.
Chris Edmonds, management consultant and CEO of The Purposeful Culture Group, recommends in
Businessinsider
that you take advantage of the situation in the job market and look for better jobs.
Have you already declined tasks?
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More tasks in the job: 'No' is not a 'Maybe I could...'
If you really cannot do a task, say so in a friendly but firm manner.
According to the
Career
Bible, you should avoid the following phrases: "Please don't be angry...", "I'm sorry, but...", "Maybe I could...".
You probably want to use these formulations so that you don't offend your counterpart, but this damages your sovereignty.
On the other hand, it would be better: “No”, “Unfortunately that is not possible”, “I have to decline”.
Below you can provide an explanation as to why you cannot take on a task.
It is also conceivable that you offer an alternative solution.
Rubric list image: © Andriy Popov/Imago