Excessive workload

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Excessive workload" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the amount of work assigned is more than what is reasonable or manageable. Example: "Many employees are feeling overwhelmed due to their excessive workload, leading to increased stress and burnout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Excessive workload, poorly planned change and constant criticism drive out experienced teachers.

The Guardian

Excessive workload for nursing staff [15,17] and lack of privacy for patients and family [10,15] are reported barriers to the provision of EOLC.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Excessive workload has been shown to significantly contribute to public- and private-sector nurses' dissatisfaction in South Africa.

Human Resources for Health

Excessive workload, frequent refresher trainings and meetings at health centres and travel to remote habitations took away their personal time.

BMJ Open

Resolve the industrial dispute with trade unions over job cuts, excessive workload and alleged bullying.

The Guardian

Have you suffered with mental issues at work due to an excessive workload or other reasons?

The Guardian - Money

"She may be saddled with an excessive workload" or a shift that disrupts her family life.

The New York Times

An independent director of Hollinger Inc., Conrad M. Black's holding company, has quit the board citing an excessive workload.

The New York Times

He says injuries in young pitchers stem from a combination of excessive workload, ineffective conditioning, and poor throwing mechanics.

The New Yorker

He cites the four main areas of concern as excessive workload, planning for retirement, behaviour and bullying.

Independent

According to the report, the main culprits are excessive workload, frustration with poor management, lack of support, threat of redundancy and unrealistic targets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "excessive workload", quantify the amount of work or its impact whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "The team has an excessive workload", specify "The team's excessive workload is leading to project delays and burnout."

Common error

Avoid using "excessive workload" as a generic complaint. Provide specific details about the tasks, responsibilities, or deadlines that make the workload excessive. This adds credibility and allows for targeted solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive workload" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition where the amount of work is beyond reasonable limits. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

48%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excessive workload" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where the amount of work is beyond manageable limits. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usability and correctness are well-established. It is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussing work-related stress, burnout, and productivity issues. While it's a valid and widely used phrase, remember to provide specific details and context rather than using it as a generic complaint. Alternatives like "overwhelming workload" or "unreasonable workload" may also be considered depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Overwhelming workload

Emphasizes the feeling of being burdened and unable to manage the amount of work.

Unreasonable workload

Highlights the unjust or unfair nature of the amount of work assigned.

Heavy workload

A more general term indicating a large quantity of work.

Excessive work burden

Replaces "workload" with "work burden", stressing the weight or strain of the work.

Unmanageable workload

Focuses on the inability to effectively handle the volume of work.

Overly demanding workload

Emphasizes the high demands and requirements of the assigned tasks.

Extreme workload

Highlights the severity and intensity of the workload.

Exorbitant workload

Suggests that the workload is excessively high and beyond normal limits.

Undue workload

Implies that the workload is inappropriate or unwarranted.

Oppressive workload

Emphasizes the crushing and burdensome nature of the work.

FAQs

What are the consequences of an "excessive workload"?

An "excessive workload" can lead to several negative consequences, including increased stress, burnout, reduced productivity, and higher rates of errors. It can also negatively impact employee morale and lead to higher turnover rates.

What are some strategies for managing an "excessive workload"?

Strategies for managing an "excessive workload" include prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, improving time management skills, setting realistic deadlines, and communicating workload concerns to supervisors. Taking regular breaks and practicing self-care can also help.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "excessive workload"?

You can use alternatives like "overwhelming workload", "heavy workload", or "unreasonable workload" depending on the context.

How can employers prevent "excessive workload"?

Employers can prevent "excessive workload" by adequately staffing projects, distributing tasks evenly, setting realistic expectations, providing employees with the necessary resources and training, and regularly assessing workload distribution to identify and address potential issues proactively.