CAREER · WORKLOAD
How to tell your manager you are overwhelmed with work
Managers often do not know how much is on your plate. The trick is to turn "I am overwhelmed" into a priority decision they can make.
Make the workload visible
- List everything you are working on, with rough hours and deadlines.
- Mark what is at risk of slipping.
What to say
- OPEN
I want to flag my workload before something slips. Here is everything I have on right now.
- TRADE-OFF
I cannot do all of this well by [date]. If [new task] is the priority, which of these can wait or move to someone else?
- HONEST
I am also feeling stretched thin, and I would rather tell you now than burn out.
If nothing changes
- Follow up in writing with the agreed priorities.
- Raise it again with evidence of what slipped.
- Use your company’s wellbeing support if you need it.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
Will this make me look weak?
Flagging a risk early with a proposed trade-off looks responsible. Missing deadlines silently does more damage.
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