How to cope with unplanned work and disruptions in your workday
Work smarter, not harder.
Unplanned work is often stressful.
Whether it’s an urgent meeting, a customer emergency, or an unexpected fire drill, disruptions can completely derail your day.
The odd disruption is usually bearable, but what happens if unplanned work frequently interferes with your other responsibilities and commitments?
You might fall behind and start to work long hours, perhaps at the expense of your wellbeing and relationships.
It’s possible that your health will begin to suffer and that you will feel stressed and anxious. You might be working harder than usual to catch up, but feel as though you’re letting down your employer and your colleagues.
It’s like a perfect storm of stress and overwhelm!
But, disruptions at work happen all the time – there must be a better way of dealing with them than working harder, longer hours and compromising your health.
Work smarter, not harder
Here are some ideas to help you handle unplanned work with minimal stress. Of course, every job is different and presents unique challenges – so some of these tips might not work for your situation. You might need to try a few different approaches until you find one that suits.
Plan for the unexpected
Instead of allocating tasks for every hour of the week, leave some blank space for unforeseen projects.
Be a time realist
Most of us are time optimists – we think something will take a fraction of the time it actually takes. Try tracking your time for a few weeks so you can make decisions based on reality, not wishful thinking.
Communicate with colleagues
Check in with your colleagues often. Let them know how you’re tracking. They might be able to lend a helping hand.
Ask for advice or help
Reach out to your boss for advice. Ask a simple question, like ‘how would you recommend I handle this?’ or ‘would you like me to reshuffle some priorities this week?’ to put the problem on their radar, too.
Keep a ‘done’ list
When work adds up, it’s natural to focus on everything you have left to do. Consider keeping a ‘done’ list so you can focus on everything you have achieved, too.
Double down on self-care
Self-care, such as exercise and sleep, is even more important during times of pressure. Looking after your health might help you better cope with challenges as they arise.
Give your brain a break
Take regular breaks to stretch, breathe, or just gaze out the window. Give your brain space to relax and recharge between periods of intense work. You’ll be surprised at how many problems you might subconsciously solve while daydreaming. Your brain needs the down time to perform at its best.
Seek support
Many people find it beneficial to work with a trained health professional – such as a GP or psychologist – when they are stressed. Having someone to talk to about your thoughts and concerns might help to alleviate some of the pressure.