Workplace hamster wheel
Coaching a new client a few weeks back got me thinking about strategies to support getting off the workplace treadmill or at least controlling the speed!!
Pretty much every client I have wants to focus on workplace stress at some point in our sessions. Its just one element in peoples very busy worlds and having really clear boundaries and strategies in place can be hugely helpful when you are trying to move forward. The treadmill that just keeps going faster and faster isn't good for anyone. Not your support crew, your colleagues, your employer and most definitely not you!
These are just a few of the strategies I share with clients that I thought you might find helpful
#1: Pause and breathe
When your legs are barely keeping up, what you may not know is that you’re about to fall off the back!! Pressing pause and taking a much needed breath gives you the space to acknowledge that you’re in a bit of trouble and something needs to change.
#2: Write it down
You need to be realistic about what you can actually achieve. A good way to do this is write it all down. Not just the appointments, tasks and meetings EVERYTHING! Pick a day, week or month, whatever gives you the most clarity. You may find it helpful to also write down commitments outside of work too.
#3: Block time
Scheduling your workload may help you to stay focused and complete tasks on time. Blocking time in your diary is one way to visually see what you've got on and what you need to be focusing on. In addition to the scheduled work you need to block time for, don't forget all the interruptions and problems that will pop up! Whether you block an hour at the end of the day to catch up or split it throughout is up to you. If you find you don't need it, see #1.
#4: Be realistic - with yourself and others
When you are scheduling time for a specific task be realistic about how long it will take you to complete it AND clearly communicate this to whoever needs to know. So often you may hear "while I've got you, can you do ABC as well". You probably can BUT you need to be realistic with how long it will take you, see #2 and #3.
#5: Don’t play games with yourself
If you blow out on a timeframe don't steal time from another task. You are just perpetuating the problem. Acknowledge that you need more time and schedule it, see #3.
#6: Reflect and tweak
Cut yourself some slack! If you are new to this process it takes time. By reflecting on what worked and what didn't you can then tweak and make improvements.
Learning to set boundaries and priorities is a skill! Let me know if you try out my suggestions and how you get on!