Bob Levoy’s success file
Does Your Staff Feel Overworked?

Arecently released study by the Families and Work Institute asked 1,003 employees (18 or older) if, during the past three months, they often or very often “felt overworked” (28% did); or “felt overwhelmed by how much work they had to do” (28% did). In addition, those numbers were even higher when asked if they sometimes felt overworked or overwhelmed (54% and 55%, respectively).

What impact do such feelings have on employees? The study indicates the more overworked employees feel, the more likely they are to: make mistakes at work; feel angry toward their employers; resent co-workers who do not work as hard; and look for a new job. In addition, these feelings take an enormous toll on their health and home life. What wasn’t mentioned was that overworked employees who are angry and resentful are unlikely to be friendly and accommodating towards customers/patients.

The study found 90% of overworked employees agree: “My job requires I work very fast,” or “very hard,” or, “I never have enough time to get everything done on my job.” It also found that employees who have poorer quality jobs - less autonomy, fewer learning opportunities, less job security - feel more overworked. The same is true for those who have less supportive workplaces, including inadequate materials and the equipment to do a good job.

The study concludes: “Our findings strongly suggest that every employee reaches a point when increasing work demands become too much - a point at which personal and family relations, personal health, and the quality of work itself are seriously threatened. Today’s 24/7 economy appears to be pushing many employees to and beyond this point.”

Mr. Levoy, a management consultant based in Roslyn, N.Y., has conducted more than 2,500 seminars for health-care professionals. Those seminars have included programs for the American and Canadian chiropractic associations and numerous state and provincial chiropractic associations.