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How do we cope with
a growing workload? Dear Kathy, I'm contacting you after reading an interesting article of yours, titled "The Superman Syndrome." I have to admit I found it enlightening!! It's interesting how much more time the average American worker puts in from just a decade ago. Can I ask you, with your expertise, to respond to the following questions?
Looking forward to your reply; if possible. I remain, Dear Overwhelmed, Glad you enjoyed my article titled The Superman Syndrome. I have more articles on my website, many of which will address your questions with some suggestions as to what each of us can do to handle the additional workload and stress which seems to be growing out of control. If you are not already a subscriber to my monthly Ezine, you may subscribe for free by sending a blank e-mail to my autoresponder. By doing so, you will get monthly announcements that will notify you each time I post a new newsletter. (I do not use my subscriber list for any other purpose, and I will never share it with anyone else.) Your questions do not have simple answers. I'll give it my best shot! 1. How do you see employees coping with all the extra workload these days? Some are coping by setting boundaries and limits around their work hours, which in some cases may mean that some work is not getting done. The up side of this is that the employee can get home and spend time with loved ones. Unfortunately, there's also a down side. Sometimes this calls into question performance issues for employees who draw the line and refuse to cross it. Some are coping by leaving their more stressful profession behind and doing something completely different. I know a physician who left the medical profession and is doing auto mechanic work...something he has always loved. Although he took a big cut in pay to do this, his quality of life has gone way up and he's happier than ever. Some employees are not coping well, resulting in poor health, stressed relationships, irritability, poor concentration, impaired judgment and creativity, increased accidents/mistakes, and the list goes on... 2. Will there be a slow-down or is this just the beginning in productivity? Unfortunately, I do not see a slow-down in the near future. The only slow-down I see is when an individual demands it. Some do not slow down until their bodies force them to (as a result of heart attack, cancer, mental breakdown, etc.). Otherwise, corporate America keeps cracking the whip. Many corporate executives are leaving their high-stress jobs and are going into business for themselves, where they have more control over their time. Some people don't feel they are in a position to make such a move. I believe that anyone can make a change, regardless of their circumstances. I do not buy into the "I have to" that I hear many people utter. We are all at choice, if only we have the courage to follow our hearts. (I stayed on the same career path for 13 years because I thought I "had" to. The more time I invested in my career, the less at choice I felt and the more miserable I became. Then one day I woke up and realized that I was at choice. Leaving that profession was one of the best decisions I ever made!) Technology may have been created to automate things, but it has also made us accessible 24 hours a day. My April Ezine offers tips about how to handle this. 3. How are companies managing all the ramifications? Companies must address the well-being of their employees, or this will be like a cancer that spreads throughout their organization. For companies that do not address this, employee turnover will be huge due to burn-out. Employee benefits are about much more than paying fair wages, although that's important, too. Companies need to create a climate that encourages and promotes personal and professional integrity and well-being. That must start at the top and filter down. There are several ways companies can support the well-being of their employees, while also building strong loyalty and pride. I've gathered several ideas about ways in which some companies are doing this:
Several of my coaching clients are professionals whose employer is paying for coaching. Most of my clients choose to work on life balance issues during these coaching sessions. The result: they report less stress and a deeper sense of satisfaction with what they are doing personally and professionally. And this makes for a more creative, productive, and effective employee. Click here to read about what coaching has provided for one professional (from Working Woman magazine, January 2001). I hope these comments are helpful. And if you are in a situation where you are feeling consumed by your job, I encourage you to re-evaluate your circumstances. if you'd like assistance sorting out your thoughts, options, and intentions. Warm regards, Kathy Paauw
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