Last year I started implementing a monthly capacity review within my team. It was a brave move as I was in danger of my team telling me they were overworked and putting me in a position to either listen and try to sway reduction of workload with my seniors or not listen and create a negative culture of staff not feeling heard. I decided to bite the bullet and pop it on our team meeting agenda. I didn’t want my team stretched to their limits and unable to find space for creativity and of course their wellbeing.
The idea was to allow the team the opportunity to say if work was too much individually and as a team so we could all agree on what we pause, slow down or stop if needed and if there were any team members with some time on their hands (almost never), they could maybe share some of the load.
The feedback has been really positive. The team feel like I have their back and I care about them (which I do). I don’t want them overworking as their health is more important to everyone involved than the work itself. I found there was always something we could do to reduce workload and stress. I was surprised by my senior’s reaction on the occasions when I have escalated that deadlines needed pushing or work had been paused. They were totally ok with it! As a team we had come up with the solutions and a realistic budgets, we understand the key organisational priorities which allows us to stay focused with the key goals in mind.
This has had a massive shift in terms of culture and I try very hard to practice what I preach, the team tell me if I don’t and approach me safety if they recognise I am taking on too much or working late on more than the odd occasion. We look out for each other and work as a real team! It really is the simple stuff that make the best teams. Be brave and give it a go! Dare to ask the question, ”What is your capacity looking like for you right now? Do we need to stop, pause or slow down anything?”
