How to let your boss know that you are overwhelmed and overloaded

It can be difficult to communicate that you need support - in any context but especially work. 

Short of having the word ‘HELP’ tattooed on our forehead, what can we do to communicate clearly that we need the support of our boss?

… read my article published in Body and Soul in news.com.au 

Do you do too much work

What is too much? And how do we know what enough is? 

When we push on working longer hours, it can have less than good effects on us. 

The consequences of stress, overload and that feeling of ‘it’s all too much’ can become the beast that is burnout. 

And it’s not a good place to be. 

Check off the five things to do to outsmart the overwhelm of too much work. 

It’s in an article by …. me 😀 in CEOWORLD magazine. 

What does it sound like

Awkward silence. 
Deserted office. 
Difficult to focus. 

Each of these quiet situations can potentially benefit from the beauty that is music. And so can we. 

No, not just the radio or those poppy head banging louder tunes. 

Think more like ambient music … it’s music you may not recognize and barely notice. 

But it’s there. And it’s been shown to help with distraction and focus management, productivity, creativity … and community. 

Could your space do with some music? Might your headspace benefit? Do you know the impacts it could have on you? 

I’m writing this post listening to an Apple music station, ‘Spa’. It’s like I’m waiting for the massage therapist to come in for my relaxation massage. 😃 It’s a great way to start the day. 

During the workday when I need to focus, I’ll play the ‘Chill’ station. 

I write more about the benefits of music, white noise and ambient noise in my book ‘Argh! Too much information, not enough brain’. It’s a practical guide to outsmarting overwhelm.

And this great article talks about how music might help us work better in this new and changing hybrid world. 

I think I’d edit the title to say ‘your LIFE probably needs more ambient music’. 

Press ‘play’ more often. 

Would you work in a tent

Leave a door open and someone may scold us with, ‘Were you born in a tent? Close the door!’

Tents and forts made from blankets and furniture are a playful memory from many childhoods. 

And while there are pro and anti camping camps out there (you know, ‘I don’t do camping/We only do glamping’) there’s an interesting use of tents that’s popping up. 

Providing shelter, protection, coziness and keeping people safely distant at work ... how about this: would you work in a tent? 

This article shares some of the thinking and benefits to segregated spaces in covid safe workplaces. 

As a long time camper, I am here for the tent!

And don’t get me started on caravans ... particularly the retro allure of an Airstream. I reckon that’s got productivity and creativity written all over it!

Would you? Work in a tent? 

12 insights on how workplaces are changing

Traditional workplaces are changing. And we have to change with the change! 

Check out these 12 insights from Harvard Business School faculty members like Amy Edmondson, Tsedal Neeley, Raffaella Sadun and more. 

Whether you agree with them all or not, they show the scope and extent of how workplaces are changing. 

Here’s the 12 :

1 Prioritise face time at the office
2 Have honest conversations with employees
3 Weigh the risks of loneliness
4 Consider a flexible hybrid approach
5 Be honest about the company’s needs
6 Keep talking about caregiving obligations
7 Show compassion amid the stress
8 Be sensitive to trauma and burn out
9 Lead with empathy
10 Prove that your building is healthy
11 Reject virtual work at your company’s peril
12 Be fair when deciding who works remotely

And .... 
13 make work inspiring at the office or not. 

Each one opens up a range of questions for conversation and consideration. 

Which of them are ringing bells for you? 

Read the full article or bookmark it for a later read. It’s a beauty!