workload

USAGE SUMMARY

'workload' is an appropriate and common word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the amount of tasks assigned to a person or group. For example, "The team was overwhelmed by their workload and unable to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The support I have gained takes many forms: regular meetings, great communication, senior staff being present, a lack of assumptions about what I will do, and workload expectations that are in line with my career position.

The Guardian

The bank argued that he deserved a £2.25m bonus, because the latest round of banking regulation reform had added significantly to his workload.

The Guardian - Business

He has been in ill health in recent years, which he said made it necessary to cut his workload.

The Guardian

They'd give me an increasing workload until I was comfortable teaching.

The Guardian

"Research the area you want to enter into within PR and comms, as each varies with regard to your day-to-day workload and future opportunities.

The Guardian

"The doctor keeps saying I need to radically reduce my workload for a period of up to a year.

The Guardian

Cutting it since 2010 at a time of growing need has been arguably one of the coalition's most short-sighted policies, with – hey presto – the NHS's workload pushed up and ability to do its job enfeebled as a result.

The Guardian

See, we already know from teachers what causes their workload: Ofsted, curriculum changes, and nagging little jobs such as data entry and wall displays.

The Guardian

"Academics have an incredibly busy workload and it's quite difficult to drop everything and focus your attention on one student who comes knocking at your door.

The Guardian

There is plenty of teaching available, and the workload is usually manageable.

The Guardian

When I see the incredible workload Natalie gets through, I think she's doing an amazing job.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "workload", be specific about whether you're referring to the amount of work assigned, the capacity of a machine, or the general demands of a job.

Common error

Avoid using "workload" without context. Specify if you are referring to a person's, a team's, or a system's capacity to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "workload" functions as a countable noun representing the amount of work assigned or expected from an individual or a system. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, from academic settings to business environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "workload" is a very common and grammatically correct noun used to describe the amount of work assigned to an individual or system. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate for diverse contexts, and its usage spans across news, business, and academic settings. When using "workload", ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. To enhance clarity, you can also consider alternatives like "work volume" or "responsibilities". Remember to avoid overgeneralization and focus on specifying what or who is experiencing the described workload.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work volume

Emphasizes the quantity of work.

work quantity

Similar to work volume, focusing on the amount of work.

job load

Similar to workload, but may be used in more informal settings.

responsibilities

Focuses on the tasks and duties one is accountable for.

assignments

Highlights specific tasks or projects assigned.

tasks

Refers to individual jobs or duties.

duties

Similar to responsibilities, but often implies a formal obligation.

obligations

Focuses on required actions or tasks.

demands

Stresses the requirements and expectations placed on someone.

projects

Highlights specific undertakings that contribute to the overall workload.

FAQs

How can I effectively manage my workload?

Prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, and break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps. Time management techniques and tools can also be helpful.

What are some signs of an unsustainable workload?

Persistent stress, burnout, decreased productivity, and neglecting personal well-being are indicators that your "workload" may be too high.

What's the difference between "workload" and "workflow"?

"Workload" refers to the amount of work assigned or expected, while "workflow" describes the sequence of steps involved in completing a task or project.

What can I say instead of "heavy workload"?

You can use alternatives like "demanding workload", "extensive responsibilities", or "crushing workload" depending on the context.