If you are groaning under a workload that is simply too much for one person and/or the expectation that you will work loads of unpaid overtime, you need to talk to your boss about what you can do to change matters. That is hard for many of us to do. These tips will help you.

Schedule A Time

Do not surprise your boss with a meeting. Set up a time to talk with him/her when you will not be rushed or interrupted.

Do Not Be Confrontational

Acting confrontational will get you nowhere and will make your boss feel attacked. Be confident, be assertive, but also be polite and respectful.

Know What You Want To Say

Go into the meeting prepared. This is not something you want to improvise. Write down what you want to say, put it into bullet point format, and take your notes to the meeting with you so you do not forget anything.

Emphasize How The Company Is Being Harmed

Explain the issues the workload is causing that will hurt the bottom line if they continue. Mention employee morale, burnout, and the potential for a higher employee turnover rate. Use relevant examples. This is a good thing to include in your notes.

Tell Your Boss How He/She Will Benefit

What is in it for your boss if the changes you ask for are implemented? How is it going to benefit management? His/her performance review and bonus might be affected. Explain how it will be helped or at least not harmed.

Ask For Something Specific

Propose specific, concrete changes instead of asking for something vague. This can be something small -such as everyone has to leave the office by 5 on Fridays -or something big, such as asking for a new hire to be brought on board.

Be Prepared For Objections

Know what objections your boss is most likely to make and be prepared to counter them. Rehearse this part of the meeting if you have time.

Stay Calm

The most important thing you can do in any tense situation is to stay calm. This meeting is likely to be tense and it will probably get emotional. Do not let your emotions get the better of you.