Workplace doctor: Big workload needs balanced approach

A stressed exec needs to recognise he is overworking to understand why a big project has become so daunting, warns workplace doctor Alex Davda.

I've taken on a huge project and am struggling to stay on top of the workload. As the deadline for delivery nears, I've increasingly found myself in panic mode – unable to concentrate on any single task at one time. I flit from job to job, never really finishing anything, and the work just keeps on piling up. A friend told me she thinks I am stressed. But I think I just have too much to do. What do you think? PT, Dubai

I really feel for your situation. I have also recently been involved in a new project, and it's amazing how quickly something you didn't know about last week can take over your entire life. Even scarier is the fact you have your usual job to do at the same time, as well as keeping up with "your life". I can imagine struggling to keep on top of it all. As you said, you are flitting from job to job, never really finishing anything and the work is piling up.

When I am overworked I try to conscientiously allocate time to work on the key project, but still end up working late and over the weekend. Then, when I return to my usual work week on Sunday, I feel as tired as I did on Thursday afternoon. To make it worse, you will have a weekend refreshed colleague asking you on Sunday morning: "Are you OK, you look tired."

Your friend telling you she thinks you are stressed is an important signal for you to pay attention to. She must have noticed a change in your attitude or behaviour. Maybe you have less time to socialise, are less friendly, or are skipping a leisure activity that you typically share? We are often so busy being "stuck in the wheel" and believing that we "just have too much to do" that we cannot see for ourselves what others may be noticing. Or we just chose to ignore it, pushing our minds and bodies to the limit because it will all be over soon.

During times of pressure, our judgement often gets clouded. We do not perceive events or situations accurately and have tunnel vision, only focusing on the project at hand. I am also curious about the impact this project is having on your sleep, diet and life outside of work. Research conducted by Ashridge colleagues has highlighted the significant impact of sleep deprivation on work performance and emotional well-being.

You should pay attention to such signs and consider the effect of this project on you, as well as your way with others. I am aware that it is a temporary situation and believe things will return to normal once the deadline passes. However, my concern is what will you do to stop this from happening again? There will always be another huge project, and if you are successful in this one, you are likely to be handed another significant piece of work.

As people, we have behavioural drivers, such as pleasing others, being perfect or working hard and these will unconsciously influence us during times of pressure. It is certainly important that you deliver on this project, but should it be at the expense of well-being?

Step back, seek advice from your boss and look for some support on this project. Take time away from "doing the doing" and plan your work. When the project is over and you have some calm before the next storm, plan your strategy and set some ground rules.

Try to balance your alternatives – the desire to work late can be mitigated by the fact that you know you will be recharged and re-energised the next day if you take time out to take exercise or spend time with a friend. Also, more quantity in terms of work hours does not necessarily equate to more quality in terms of output.

Doctor’s prescription:

Riding the waves of high intensity projects can be stressful. Recognise that when others point out signs of stress, there is more to the situation than simply "having too much to do". People around us will notice slight changes in the things we say and do and we must pay attention to these. Equally, we have to overcome our personal drivers and consider the importance of being effective in and outside of work. Be a little selfish and protect aspects of your life that will get you through periods of high pressure.

Alex Davda is a business psychologist and consultant at Ashridge Business School, based in the Middle East. Email him at [e-mail] for advice on any work issues.

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