by Kenneth Ang

Created on: August 30, 2011   Last Updated: August 31, 2011

How to beat work overload? Now, this is a tricky question.

First, we need to identify what work is before we can deal with the matter of overload. How an individual views what he or she does will have an impact on how it affects him or her.

For example, people who love what they do rarely find themselves overwhelmed by the long hours they put in every day. Successful business owners have been known to be the first to arrive at their place of business, and be the last to leave.

The same applies to individuals who have a vocation. While these individuals take part in activities many would consider "work", their passion for what they do allows them to work long hours for extended periods without adversely affecting them.

In all those instances, the issue of work overload does not come into question. While many individuals would succumb under the pressure and stress, these individuals strive on it. They enjoy the rush of adrenalin through their veins.

Therefore, while we have to admit that long hours and a heavy work load can cause problems, the way a person perceives "work" plays an important role in the extent to which the circumstances affect him or her.

So, how do we beat work overload in this context?

The first thought that comes to mind would be for employers to keep the long hours to an acceptable level but this may not entirely up to them in this economy. Competitiveness in business may require businesses to operate with a very tight budget.

This may mean that hiring more employees may not be an option. The current batch of staff may have to take up the slack, which may mean longer hours, taking on responsibilities that are not in their job description.

I speak from experience. Having been with the same ad agency for the past 15 years, I have seen the company survive more than one economic downturn, the major one being in 1998 when the global financial crisis hit.

We had to stay trim in order to keep the company afloat and keep our jobs. While the workload was high, and at times very stressful, the possibility of losing our jobs and livelihoods, kept us going.

Of course there are many instances of employers exploiting their employees, using the economy as an excuse. In such cases, employees will probably have two options. One, to take legal action, if at all, this is possible. Two, to leave the company.

Both options come with the same risk. The first, of course, could cause the company to find ways to terminate their employment, and they lose their jobs. The question

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