Workload Manageability

Our Commitment to Employee Well-Being

Lakehead University values the well-being of our employees and is committed to creating a healthy, sustainable work environment.

We believe in fair and equitable workload distribution, realistic expectations, and open communication. By prioritizing employee well-being, we empower our employees to achieve their full potential.

✓ We are committed to improving our workload management practices.

Workload Management is a core pillar of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Workload Management stands as one of the thirteen essential factors known to influence employee mental well-being. These elements are comprehensively outlined in the 13 Factors: Addressing Mental Health to help organizations cultivate a psychologically safe work environment.

This webpage provides practical time-management assessments, task prioritization matrices, and evidence-based wellness strategies designed to help you balance your daily routine.  It also features targeted tools to help identify invisible workload waste, alongside distinct action plans for daily tasks tailored specifically for both workers and supervisors. Below are quick links to each section found on this page:

  1. The Symmetry of Success: Why Balanced Workloads Win
  2. Thriving Together: Managing Workload at Lakehead
  3. Master Your Workload: Tools, Templates & Resources
  4. Expert FAQ Directory : Navigating Wellness and Workload Dynamics
  5. Take Control of your Workload- Video

The Symmetry of Success: Why Balanced Workloads Win

Less Burnout

Equitable task distribution protects us from being overwhelmed, keeping pacing sustainable.

Elevate Morale

A supportive environment that values balanced capacities helps us feel valued and  satisfied with our roles.

Enhances Skills

Intentional task planning aligns complex objectives with individual team availability and technical competencies.

Clear Expectations

Strong organizational structures let each one of us understand exactly what we need to deliver and how it matters.

Optimized Team Collaboration

Full visibility into team tasks removes cross-project conflicts and builds transparent peer-to-peer communication.

Advanced Productivity

Allocating resources efficiently eliminates project delays and frees up cognitive space for higher-quality output.

Thriving Together: Managing Workload at Lakehead


At Lakehead, workload management isn't just about finishing tasks—it’s about having the right resources, support, and time to do your best work without compromising your well-being. As part of our commitment to a psychologically healthy workplace, use our alphabetical WORKLOAD directory below to instantly connect with internal university tools, benefits, and support networks.

W - Wellness Resources & EAP Care

Access direct campus mental health initiatives, counselling tools, and community wellness programs.

O - Online Support Networks

Connect with virtual peer groups, institutional forums, and collaborative staff channels.

R - Resources for Faculty and Staff

Access administrative tools, payroll schedules, benefit guides, and professional development opportunities designed to support your work at Lakehead.

K - Key Ergonomic Adjustments and Practices

Optimize your desk layout, prevent physical strain, and set up a healthy physical workplace.

L - Laserfiche

Streamline your paperwork, access electronic forms, and eliminate manual administrative friction.

O - Occupational Mental Health Wellness Research

Review campus wellness findings, workplace safety studies, and institutional health data.

A - Alternate Work Arrangements

Review university policies regarding flexible hours, hybrid choices and adaptive scheduling.

D - Disconnecting from Work

Protect your personal time, set health communication boundaries and unplug safely after hours.

Master Your Workload: Tools, Templates & Resources


Expert FAQ Directory: Navigating Wellness & Workload Dynamics


Maximize your workday and protect your well-being. Below is a curated collective of answers, action strategies, and diagnostic insights to help you balance your workload and thrive.

Remember, you don't have to navigate it alone. Free, professional guidance is always available to you through the confidential TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

How do I choose between the Eisenhower and Action Priority matrices?

Overwhelmed by deadlines? Use the Eisenhower Matrix to separate truly urgent tasks from distractions. Eisenhower Matrix focuses on urgency and importance, categorizing tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor  important.

Short on time but want big results? Use the Action Priority Matrix to find quick, high-impact wins. Action Priority Matrix Often emphasizes impact and effort, helping teams identify high-impact, low-effort tasks that can deliver quick wins.

Learn more 

 

Why should I ask for help when I am feeling overwhelmed?

You may have critical beliefs that asking for help is a sign of weakness or that you should not have to ask.You are not alone. Asking for help takes courage and practice. Once you get into the habit, your work productivity as well as your emotional health can improve. Download pdf or Read more 

Benefits of asking for help:

  • Fosters a connection to others

  • Builds resilience

  • Increases productivity

  • Encourages others to ask for help too

  • Increases gratitude

  • Brings clarity to communication

  • Demonstrates maturity.  

How can we protect our mental wellness when facing physical health challenges?

Physical health problems can lead to mental health challenges, which in turn can lead to or worsen physical health problems—a cycle that may be hard to break.It may be impossible to speed up the healing process or to cure a chronic condition, but there are ways you can reduce the impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Download PDF or Read More

  • Sleep:Keep a bedtime routine, for example, reading a relaxing book, taking a shower, or listening to a meditation.

  • Diet: Eating healthy foods is essential for your body to function properly and to heal.

  • Exercise: walking, gardening, dancing and strength training using resistance bands are some of physical activity helps promote a healthy body and a healthy mind.

  • Laughter: When you laugh, it triggers a series of positive physiological responses: your heart rate goes up, blood circulation to the brain and body improves, and muscles become more relaxed. It can stimulate the release of endorphins—chemicals which boost your mood and act as natural painkillers—helping you feel more positive and calmer.

Why is sitting considered a hidden health risk, and how do we counter it?

Studies have found that the more time people spend sitting, the greater their risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and dementia—regardless of whether they exercise regularly. The key is to stay active through regular exercise while also breaking up long periods of sitting with movement throughout the day. Doing so helps improve circulation, engage and maintain muscle function, and prevent metabolic slowdown. Download PDF OR Read more

Here are some ways to add more activity into your day: 

  • Move while on the phone

  • Stretch and reset regularly.

  • Optimize your work setup

  • Take meetings on the go

  • Keep active at home.

  • Take regular walking breaks

  • Track your steps.

What are five effective ways to manage daily stress?

1. Identify the source(s) of your stress

2. For problems beyond your control, change your relationship with them

3. Learn and practise relaxation techniques.

4. Take care of yourself

5. Make time for family and friends. Learn More or Download Pdf

 

How can mindful interpersonal habits help us adapt smoothly to our organizational culture?
  • Watch your body language.

  • Pay attention to the tone of your communications.

  • Ask for feedback

  • Make an effort to connect with people in positive, constructive ways.

  • Be careful about communicating when you are overwhelmed by emotion.

  • Take steps to keep your moods from affecting your judgment.

  • Understand the unwritten rules of your work culture.

Special considerations for Managers

  • Keep an eye on the "group mood" and dynamics of your team. 

  • Be appropriately cheerful.  Download pdf or Read More

How can employees successfully prepare for and adapt to their return to the workplace?

People often look forward to returning to work after a long-term absence. It's a chance to reconnect with co-workers, re-engage with work, and get back to old routines. But the transition back to work can also be difficult. You may be returning with new priorities in your life or new restrictions on what you can do. Download PDF or Read More

Whatever your situation—parental, personal, or medical leave—there are ways to help ease your return.

  • Find out what to expect when you return

  • Finalize your arrangements for personal and family needs

  • Talk with co-workers

  • Get the help and support you need

How Do I Talk to My Manager About an Overwhelming Workload?

Are you hesitant to talk about workload with your manager?

  • You don’t want to be viewed as incompetent or otherwise unable to keep up with your work.
  • You don't want to sound like a complainer.

Feelings like these are natural, but your manager needs to know if you have more work than you can handle, especially when not addressing it can further impact your work performance long-term. They may have ideas on how to ease the burden on you while making sure that all the necessary work gets done.

An honest conversation with your manager about your workload can have many benefits for you and for others.

  • Don't wait until a crisis occurs.
  • Schedule the conversation. 
  • Plan ahead for your meeting.
  • Offer solutions.
  • Be open to your manager's ideas.
  • Follow up
  • Consider talking with Human Resources. Download Pdf or Read More

Take Control of Your Workload


Watch this quick video to learn how effective workload management reduces stress, prevents burnout, and cuts down on job-related errors. Discover practical tips to build a healthier, more productive, and psychologically safe workplace today.    

by Ottawa Public Health and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, adapted with permission from Mindful Employer Canada.