It’s easier than ever to collaborate with your colleagues. With the right online tools, you can accomplish tasks with people from all over the world.
However, not all collaborations are productive.
For instance, ever been in so many meetings that you were unable to actually work on your core tasks? You’re not alone.
A lot of remote workers experience the detrimental effects of this “collaborative overload.”
What is Collaborative Overload?
According to studies, the average worker spends 85% of his/her time dealing with collaborative overload.
It’s when excessive collaborations (like meetings, projects, communication) distract you from your main duties.
It results in a lack of focus, subpar work, and higher stress levels.
So how do you manage it? Here are tips to cope.
Learn to Say No
Don’t feel obligated to agree to every request or meeting. You need to preserve energy and headspace for your main tasks.
So, don’t be afraid to say no to those that don’t fit your schedule or KPIs.
Plan Your Workload
What if your boss sets the meeting or assigns the new project? Not everyone can say no.
Thus-, you need to plan and prioritize additional tasks based on importance.
For instance, if you have a meeting on Wednesday, consider completing important tasks earlier. This way, you can work on easier tasks prior to the meeting day.
Set Aside Time for Answering Emails and Messages
A lot of remote workers prioritize replying to emails and instant messages over their actual tasks, which can be unproductive.
Remember, your clients pay you for your output, not how fast you reply.
Consider carving out a reasonable slots in your schedule to answer emails or messages. This way, you can still keep communicating with your colleagues without compromising your main tasks.
Delegate When Possible
Free up your time by delegating some of your tasks. Assign some to others who can do them more efficiently so you can focus on more important ones.
What if you don’t have any subordinates? Well, you can use technology.
Find out which AI programs can make you more productive in your field.
Provide Feedback
Sometimes, collaborative overload is overwhelming no matter how well you manage your time. For some, it makes it next to impossible to finish the deliverables.
Now, you need to understand your limitations and give feedback.
This involves informing your direct report of issues that need to be addressed. It also informs your boss that the process might need work.
Giving feedback can be daunting, but it’s better than failing to complete your tasks or experiencing burnout.
If you’re not sure about how to go about it, here are some suggestions for giving feedback to your boss.
With the tips above, it’ll be easier to cope with collaborative overload in your remote workplace.
However, if you’re experiencing the opposite and are looking for remote jobs, you can sign up through Remote Staff for the best online opportunities for Filipinos.
Part of our values is striving for excellence and a healthy work-life balance.
Thus, we provide full and continuous support so you can work with your future clients without experiencing collaborative overload.
Register today!
