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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Communicate workload challenges clearly and professionally.
2. Discuss resource or time concerns while proposing solutions.
Exercise 1
Discussion
Talk with your teacher for 3 minutes. Try to keep the conversation going!
1. What can you say about the workload at your job? High, Moderate or Low?
2. Do you have to work overtime at your job or is it a choice ?
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
bottleneck
noun
/ˈbɑːt.əlˌnɛk/
Meaning:
A point in a process that slows down progress.
- The approval step is a bottleneck in our workflow.
spread too thin
idiom
/sprɛd tuː θɪn/
Meaning:
Taking on too many tasks at once.
- I feel spread too thin and may need to delegate some tasks.
follow through
phrasal verb
/ˈfɑː.loʊ θruː/
Meaning:
To complete a task or commitment.
- If we start a new project, we need to follow through on every step.
I could use some support with…
phrase
/aɪ kʊd juːz sʌm səˈpɔːrt wɪð/
Meaning:
A polite way to ask for help or resources.
- I could use some support with the client report this week.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation: A team member speaks to their manager about workload concerns.
Hi Jason, I wanted to discuss my current tasks. I feel a bit spread too thin.
Tina
Thanks for letting me know. Can you explain which areas are most challenging?
Jason
The client reports and presentation prep are taking most of my time.
Tina
I see. It seems like the reporting step is a bottleneck.
Jason
Exactly, and my capacity is limited this week.
Tina
Got it. I could assign another team member to support you.
Jason
That would be great. I could use some support with the presentations.
Tina
Perfect. Let’s follow through and check progress mid-week.
Jason
Exercise 1
Direction: Check comprehension of the conversation.
Options: capacity | support | spread too thin | bottleneck
1. I feel __________ and may need help with these reports.
2. The approval process is a __________ in our project.
3. My current __________ doesn’t allow me to take on new tasks.
4. I could use some __________ with the client presentation.
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
How to Share Workload Concerns Professionally
Sharing workload concerns in the workplace helps prevent burnout and ensures projects stay on track. Start by identifying which tasks are taking the most time or causing stress. Use neutral, professional language such as “I feel spread too thin” or “My current capacity is limited.” Highlight any bottlenecks or steps that slow progress.
Politely ask for support or resources using phrases like “I could use some support with…” Suggest solutions or ways to redistribute tasks, showing you’re proactive. Confirm responsibilities and timelines with your manager to follow through effectively. Clear communication about workload builds trust, helps teams allocate resources efficiently, and prevents misunderstandings about priorities.
Exercise 2
Direction: Choose the correct answer
Options: follow through, support, bottleneck, spread too thin, capacity,
1. The approval step is a __________ that slows our project.
2. I feel __________ with my current tasks and may need help.
3. My current __________ doesn’t allow me to take on additional projects.
4. We need to __________ on all delegated tasks to meet deadlines.
Exercise 5
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. Do you ask for help with workload at work ?
2. How often do you get overworked at work ?
3. How does your manager usually respond to workload concerns in your experience?
4. How do you balance multiple priorities at work ?
5. When is it better to delegate tasks versus doing them yourself?
6. How can team members support each other to prevent bottlenecks?
7. How do cultural differences affect how people share workload concerns?
8. What strategies help ensure follow-through when work is redistributed?
