How to Deal with an Unbalanced Workload in a Team

When there is an imbalance in a team workload, employees can become frustrated, resentful and less productive. Finding an equitable solution to workload distribution smooths out processes, improves efficiency and makes team members feel better about their levels of contribution.

In examining the overall structure of the team and its directives, make sure you have enough people in the group to adequately address the needs of the project within given time and budgetary parameters. If you don't, you'll need to bring in additional staffe, increase the time allotment for getting the project completed or change your budget.

Consider the skills and abilities of each team member and their corresponding assignments, and note the workload aspects for each employee. Ensure each team member is qualified and trained to do his work effectively. Where there is imbalance, redistribute projects according to employee skill sets.

Be careful not to penalize fast and efficient workers by loading them down with the bulk of responsibilities, even if you know they can handle it. This can lead to frustration and resentment -- not only of you, but also of other team members. If you must put greater responsibility on one or two team members, compensate them for the additional work.

Once a team’s work load has been redistributed appropriately, hand out new guidelines that clearly outline which employee is responsible for each task. Ask for input to ensure staffers are comfortable with the new distribution and are confident that they can adequately handle the new workload terms. Regularly assess how the newly redistributed workloads are functioning. As a project progresses, needs may shift, so continually evaluate productivity and workload equity to ensure you are using your staff's talents and time wisely.

Help team members manage their time efficiently and complete their assigned tasks on schedule through detailed project planning. Create project deadlines as well as individual deadlines for various components of multistage projects, and ask for project reports and updates to keep track of output.