What do you do if your workload is overwhelming in Environmental Services?

1 Prioritize your tasks

When dealing with an overwhelming workload, the first step is to prioritize your tasks. You may have a daily or weekly schedule that outlines your assigned areas, duties, and deadlines. However, the changing needs and demands of the facility may require you to adjust your plan. For instance, infection control measures, isolation rooms, or discharge cleaning may take precedence over routine tasks. To prioritize your tasks, consider the urgency of the task in relation to patient safety, quality of care, or regulatory compliance; its importance in contributing to goals, standards, or expectations; its efficiency in terms of time and resources; and its impact on others in terms of potential problems, complaints, or delays.

2 Communicate with your team

The second step to deal with an overwhelming workload is to communicate with your team. You should clarify expectations, seek feedback, report problems, and ask for help. Make sure you understand your roles, responsibilities, and goals. Ask questions if you are unsure or need more information. Confirm your priorities and deadlines with your supervisor and co-workers. Ask for feedback on your performance, quality, and productivity to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Inform your supervisor and co-workers if you encounter any issues, challenges, or difficulties that affect your work. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it; you may need assistance from your co-workers, supervisor, or other departments to complete your tasks. Communication can be a powerful tool to help you manage an overwhelming workload.

3 Delegate your tasks

The third step to deal with an overwhelming workload is to delegate your tasks. This means assigning some of your tasks to others who have the skills, knowledge, and authority to do them. By delegating, you can reduce your workload and develop your team. You can assign routine, repetitive, or low-priority tasks that don't require your expertise or attention. You can also delegate challenging, creative, or high-priority tasks that require your guidance or supervision. Furthermore, delegation can improve your results by assigning tasks that have clear standards, procedures, and deadlines. It can also provide opportunities for growth, development, or recognition with tasks that have measurable outcomes, feedback, and evaluation.

4 Manage your stress

Managing your stress is the fourth step to dealing with an overwhelming workload. Stress is a normal part of work, but it can have negative impacts on your health, well-being, and performance. To manage your stress, start by recognizing your signs and symptoms. These may include feelings of anxiety, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. Then, find ways to reduce your stress, such as using relaxation techniques, positive thinking, or social support. Finally, take steps to prevent your stress by using time management, problem-solving techniques, and self-care.

5 Balance your work and life

The fifth step to deal with an overwhelming workload is to balance your work and life. Work-life balance is finding a healthy and satisfying harmony between your professional and personal roles, responsibilities, and goals. To achieve this, you should respect your boundaries by setting and maintaining clear limits between your work and life. This could include defining your working hours, breaks, and days off, limiting work-related calls, emails, or messages, or separating your work and personal spaces, devices, or accounts. Additionally, you should enjoy your interests by pursuing activities that make you happy and fulfilled such as hobbies, passions, or projects. You can also join clubs, groups, or communities to learn new skills, knowledge, or languages. Lastly, nurture your relationships by connecting with people who matter to you. This could mean spending quality time with family, friends, or partner; expressing feelings; sharing experiences; or communicating thoughts and opinions.

6 Review your progress

The sixth step to deal with an overwhelming workload is to review your progress. This means evaluating and reflecting on your achievements, challenges, and opportunities. You can use this to celebrate your success by recognizing and rewarding yourself for your efforts, results, and improvements. Acknowledge your accomplishments, milestones, or feedback. You can also learn from your mistakes by identifying and correcting your errors, weaknesses, and gaps. Analyze your failures, difficulties, or feedback. Seek guidance, advice, or training to make changes, adjustments, or plans. Finally, set your goals by defining and pursuing your aspirations, expectations, and potentials. Determine your strengths, interests, or values. Explore your options, opportunities, or challenges. Create a vision, strategy, or action for yourself.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?