Workload was identified as a key concern from colleagues across the University in the recent staff survey and associated open sessions. Workload and wellbeing are intrinsically linked and a key aspect of the wellbeing strategy. The Workload Review Group and newly formed Staff Experience Committee are reviewing the results in-depth to further inform how to enhance a supportive environment for staff to thrive and succeed.
Whilst as individuals we may not be able to directly influence institutional and job specific deadlines and objectives it may be possible to alter the steps we take to achieve them. These pages provide some practical advice and resources to support workload management and help manage work-related pressures which can negatively impact wellbeing. It replaces the guidance provided through the Workload Reduction Toolkit prepared during the pandemic.
Workload is something your Line Manager should be monitoring on an ongoing basis, and you should feel empowered to discuss workload and stress concerns with them at any point. If your manager suspects your workload is excessive, or you are under significant stress which is caused by, or made worse by work, they should discuss this with you. If required they will carry out and discuss with you an individual stress risk assessment. This is also a standard recommendation from Occupational Health if you are referred to them due to a stress at work issue, regardless of whether you are absent as a result.
Please remember that the University has a number of support systems: