What is workload?

The term “workload” has recently taken on a negative connotation. It is often viewed as the primary cause of issues like burnout, and it has almost become a taboo topic. While this perspective is understandable, it is not entirely justified. Burnout does not always begin with work pressure, and work pressure does not invariably lead to burnout.

To gain a clearer understanding, let’s first take a step back:

Burnout, overwork, and stress-related complaints often start with an imbalance between carrying capacity and load.

Carrying load refers to the demands placed on you by others or yourself—these are the tasks and responsibilities imposed by your employer, family, or self. Carrying capacity is your ability to handle these demands physically and mentally. Both of these factors are highly personal.

Think of it like this: “What goes on your plate, you must be able to eat.” Here, the plate represents your carrying capacity, and the food represents the carrying load.

You need sufficient carrying capacity to manage your carrying load effectively.

Several factors can lead to an imbalance between carrying capacity and carrying load, making it difficult to handle what’s on your plate:

1. Reduction in Carrying Capacity: For example, if you catch the flu, your ability to handle tasks decreases because your plate (carrying capacity) is temporarily smaller.
2. Increase in Carrying Load: If a colleague falls ill and you have to take over their tasks, the amount of work on your plate increases.
3. Combination of Both: Sometimes, both your carrying capacity and carrying load can be affected simultaneously. For instance, if you are feeling unwell and also have to take on additional tasks due to a colleague’s illness, your plate becomes smaller while more food is added to it.

Understanding these dynamics can help in managing and addressing work pressure and preventing burnout.

The causes of reduced carrying capacity and/or increased carrying load can stem from various sources—work-related issues, personal situations, or a combination of both. For instance, if a colleague falls ill, this might be compounded by personal factors such as buying a house and having to manage a move alongside your job.

When an imbalance develops, your body sends various signals. These can include physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. Often, these symptoms lead to short-term absenteeism.

There are also mental signals to be aware of, such as excessive worrying, irritability, or forgetfulness. These signs indicate that your brain is running low on energy and needs time to recharge.

While these signals are not immediately catastrophic, they are a clear indication that action is needed. It’s “five to twelve”—a critical moment where you must address the imbalance appropriately.

In technical terms, this means applying the right coping strategy. The most effective strategy in this case is to take time for rest. Immediate action is not the solution—rest and recovery are crucial.

Rest allows you to recharge and regain balance. If you neglect this and continue to push through, the imbalance will not only persist but may worsen over time. This gradual escalation can eventually lead to burnout, where your body essentially shuts down.

Think of it like a car: when the fuel light comes on, it’s time to stop and refuel (or recharge, in 2024 terms). Ignoring this warning and continuing to drive will eventually leave you stranded—just as neglecting rest will leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Thus, work pressure cannot simply be labeled as the sole culprit behind all forms of distress. This perspective is too simplistic because:

• When your workload is high but still manageable within your carrying capacity, no imbalance occurs.
• The causes of reduced carrying capacity and/or increased carrying load can be work-related, but they can also be personal, or more likely, a combination of both.
• An imbalance itself is not inherently problematic. The issue arises when this imbalance is not addressed and persists over time.

So, why do we keep focusing on workload and work-life balance? Workload and work-life balance are merely aspects of burden and carrying capacity—they do not represent the entire picture. However, this focus is not without merit.

Workload and work-life balance are significant components of the overall story. For many people, work occupies a substantial part of their waking hours, second only to sleep. For the average adult, work is a major part of life. Consequently, the balance you experience at work (i.e., your workload) plays a crucial role in determining your overall balance between carrying capacity and carrying load.