A topic that comes up repeatedly: How can I work less? Regardless of industry or hierarchical level. Many employees suffer from working too much.

We believed that the after effects of the pandemic could bring a change in our ways of working. Instead, it seems to get worse rather than improve.

When my clients bring this up in coaching sessions, there are often two ways people look at it. Either there is an expectation on me to have a solution ready. In the form of telling them how to work less, here’s the magic formula. And the other common misconception is: “In my industry / work / area of expertise it’s not possible to work less“.

And that’s where I beg to differ.

Yes, requirements are tough, pressure is on, and results need to be delivered. But I do strongly believe (and may be I’m biased here) that it’s possible to reduce overwork or work overload.

There usually is a reason other than “there is lots of work” that it the reason people do too much.

First: Realise why you do all the work

Coaching is a great tool to help figure out what that reason is. At this point if you still think “but there is a lot of work”, hear me out.

Often working too much has to do with:

• belief systems. i.e. something you learned when you were a child. Maybe your parents telling you that only hard work matters. Or one of your early bosses telling you that you will never make it with a lazy attitude. (these are 2 made up examples)
• comparing yourself to others: It appears that everyone is really hard working and always seems to know what they’re doing. So I have to do the same.
• perfectionism: Only my way of doing things is the one we need. I know it best / I can deliver better / my quality of work is better.
• own expectations: I am good at what I do, I can be even better. And I want to show everyone (and myself) that I can deliver and take on many tasks at the same time. If I did less, I’d be disappointed in myself.
• unclear expectations from your manager: It is not clear what I should do. I don’t know what the goals are, which ones matter?
• unclear communication from your manager
• no support system in place: Who do I talk to? Who can help me? I feel left alone in this.
• lack of priorities: What are the main goals you or your business need to deliver on? Do you know which (say) 3 of them bring the biggest results? What are the ones that will help your career or your department?
• not being able to say no: And that is a very common issue. Many struggle with saying no. For various reasons. I’ve talked about it in a previous post. Learn to say no and you will see how you will thrive in your career.
• work over health? I care about work more than I care about my health?

Let’s work on a positive change

With coaching these issues can come to light. And that’s when a positive shift can happen. That’s the moment when we can work on strategies to improve the situation and put in place solutions.

This is not a topic that will be done in a session. But one where you will see results if you are willing to put in the work and we can work on it over several sessions.

Don’t feel like you’re alone in this. Get in touch and let’s change thing for the better.

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