1. Assess individual and team workloads through observation and discussion with workers to determine whether change is necessary and feasible.
2. Adjust the amount of work per worker to avoid any worker being overloaded. Work should be able to be performed without difficulty and to quality standards within the deadline. Take into account individual differences and adjust workloads accordingly.
3. Add workers when and where it is necessary.
4. Reduce unnecessary tasks such as control operations, writing reports, filling in forms or registration work. These activities have a significant impact on workers’ concentration. Instruct workers about the correct use of their tools. Have them ask for repair or replacement when tools are damaged or worn out.
5. Reduce ineffective interruptions which break workers’ concentration and interfere with production or service objectives.
6. Change the work process to facilitate the completion of work requirements, for example, by reviewing the distribution of tasks or using innovative approaches and technology.

SOME MORE HINTS

• Improve working conditions and work organization to fully utilize the capacities of workers.
• Train workers to develop their competencies and skills
• Plan appropriate deadlines to achieve better distribution of the workload in a reasonable period of time.
• Encourage regular discussions about workload between supervisors and workers.
• Plan, review and adjust present and future workload levels to increase performance and maintain a healthy workforce.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Adjust the workloads of individual workers. Appropriate workloads help improve workers’ performance and health.

1. Observe the work being done, talk to the workers to determine whether work is equally and fairly distributed and, if some workers are overloaded or have tasks which are too difficult, find solutions.
2. Take into consideration that some workers may have tasks that are too easy or have too little challenge in their work.
3. Revise job assignment to ensure that workers receive an equitable amount of work, taking into account individual workers’ capacities.
4. Rotate difficult and challenging work among
   co-workers.
5. Improve work methods or equipment for overloaded workers, and relieve their workload.
6. Involve workers in group discussion when redesigning work assignment. This is good practice for finding efficient and durable solutions.

SOME MORE HINTS

• Remember that workers are individuals with different capacities and health conditions, so it is appropriate, in some situations, for work to be not equally, but fairly, distributed.
• Maintain confidentiality concerning workers’ health issues.
• Protect the health of the unborn child by avoiding work overload for pregnant women.
• Balanced work assignment is a good way to improve and develop workers’ skills and performance.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Good distribution of work should be part of management practice because it will promote the well-being and productivity of workers.