excessive workload

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive workload" is correct and usable in written English, and it is used to describe too much work for one person or organization to handle.
For example, "The company was experiencing financial problems due to an excessive workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

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

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

It attributed the problems in attracting new recruits to "excessive workload and attacks on pay [that] are driving away teachers".

The Guardian

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

Independent

Work role characteristics that are associated with work demands refer to pressures arising from excessive workload and time pressures.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

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

Just over three-quarters (76%) of their members who took part in their survey pointed to marking as the biggest contributor to excessive workload.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of a "excessive workload", be specific about the consequences, such as burnout, decreased productivity, or errors. For example, instead of saying 'The excessive workload led to problems', say 'The excessive workload led to a significant increase in errors and decreased employee morale'.

Common error

Avoid attributing all workplace issues solely to an "excessive workload". Consider other contributing factors like poor management, lack of resources, or inadequate training. Analyze the situation holistically for effective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive workload" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a situation where the amount of work is beyond reasonable capacity. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows the phrase used in various contexts to describe work-related stress and challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excessive workload" is a common noun phrase used to describe a situation where the amount of work exceeds a reasonable capacity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. It often denotes negative consequences such as stress, burnout, and decreased productivity. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the impact and avoid overgeneralizing the cause. Alternatives like "overwhelming workload" and "unmanageable workload" can provide nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Understanding its usage and potential impact can help improve communication and address workplace challenges effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Overwhelming workload

Emphasizes the feeling of being burdened by the amount of work.

Unmanageable workload

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

Undue burden of work

Highlights the unfairness or inappropriateness of the amount of work.

Heavy workload

A more general term indicating a large amount of work.

Excessive demands

Shifts the focus to the demands placed on the individual rather than the work itself.

Overburdened with tasks

Highlights being weighed down by numerous responsibilities.

Crushing workload

Emphasizes the severe and debilitating impact of the workload.

Unreasonable demands

Focuses on the lack of justification of expectations.

Intense workload

Stresses the level of effort and concentration required.

Overcapacity

Highlights the condition of exceeding the limit that one can handle.

FAQs

How does an "excessive workload" impact employee well-being?

An "excessive workload" can lead to burnout, increased stress levels, decreased job satisfaction, and potential health problems. It can also negatively affect work-life balance and overall productivity.

What are some signs of an "excessive workload"?

Signs include consistently working overtime, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty meeting deadlines, increased stress and anxiety, and neglecting personal responsibilities.

What can employers do to mitigate the effects of an "excessive workload"?

Employers can implement strategies such as redistributing tasks, hiring additional staff, streamlining processes, providing better training, and encouraging employees to take breaks and utilize their vacation time.

What are some alternatives to describing an "excessive workload"?

You can use alternatives like "overwhelming workload", "unmanageable workload", or "undue burden of work" to convey a similar meaning.