Summer can be tough. You colleague is heading off to an exotic destination to lounge on a beach whilst you’re stuck in the office. And to make matters worse, you’ve got to take on their workload!
Your colleague hasn’t even left yet and you’re already stressing about how you’re going to manage their workload as well as your own. It’s perfectly normal to get stressed when you’re overloaded at work, particularly when half of the work is unfamiliar to you. But don’t worry too much because we’ve outlined our top tips for how to cope when colleagues are on annual leave!
Plan Ahead And Prioritise
As soon as your colleague tells you they’re going on holiday and explains that you will be taking on their workload, it’s time to start planning. Don’t schedule any meetings, skype calls or phone calls for the duration of your colleague’s annual leave as this will take up valuable time.
Then, prioritise your own workload and organise it into which tasks need completing first and which tasks can be put to one side for the time being. This should give you some space to take on your colleague’s work.
During your colleague’s annual leave, begin each day with an action plan. Make a list of the more important tasks that need completing that day from your colleague’s workload. Then do the same for your own workload. Compare the lists and you should have a well thought out action plan for the day, which includes your colleagues work as well as your own.
Ask For Help
If there is just far too much work to get through, don’t try to do it on your own. Talk to your team members and ask each colleague how much spare time they have available. You’ll be surprised at how many people are willing to help once you explain that you’re in over your head!
Chances are, some of your awesome teammates will be able to take some tasks off your hands and give you a bit of breathing room. Delegate the tasks as you see fit. Ensure that you brief your colleagues on each task, particularly if you are handing over someone else’s work.
Don’t Neglect Your Own Work
When focusing on your colleague’s workload, the last thing you want to do is forget about your own. It’s easily done and is common when colleagues are on annual leave. However, neglecting your own work will only lead to added stress. Stress in the workplace can seriously impact your health and wellbeing.
Trying to juggle the jobs of two people is challenging, but it’s essential that you make time for both workloads. If you find that you don’t have the time to complete the tasks that need doing by a certain deadline, ask a teammate for help rather than pushing your own tasks to the bottom of the pile.
Learn When To Say No
When you’ve got a ton of work to be getting on with, the last thing you need is another pointless meeting. Save valuable time by being firm and saying no. Choose not to attend meetings unless you really have to, particularly those meetings where nothing much happens. Explain that you simply don’t have the time and ask for the summary report instead.
Similarly, don’t take on any additional work and politely say no to those “little favours”. Explain to your colleagues and/or Manager that you have too much work on and don’t have the time to help at the minute.
Take Regular Breaks
Work overload is one of the biggest causes of stress in the workplace. Your health and wellbeing should be your top priority, even when you’re at work. Working through your lunch breaks to catch up on work is a bad idea! Not only will it reduce productivity and motivation, but it will also cause more stress.
Ensure you are taking regular breaks throughout the day and avoid eating your lunch at your desk. Try to spend some time outside during your breaks, perhaps go for a walk or jog around the local park. Or sit on the grass and enjoy your lunch.
Getting away from the office and enjoying some light exercise will increase your mood, boost productivity and give you the motivation you need to get through the afternoon.
Aside from your lunch break, take a ten-minute screen break in the morning and in the afternoon. Perhaps make yourself a cuppa and catch up with a teammate. Or if you’re really stressed, sit in the break room or outside and enjoy some relaxing breathing techniques.
Get In Touch
If you’d like some more advice on how to cope when your colleagues are on annual leave, or you want to find out more about workplace wellbeing, get in touch with Wellspace today.
You can do so by filling in the contact form on our website or getting directly in touch via email through info@yourwellspace.com.
