Overload at work with no support

[trappedstressedandfedup]

I work in a professional field for a large organisation. In the space of just a few years my workload has increased dramatically. I have been given one extra member of staff to help which does not make up for all the extra areas I am now covering. I was not involved in the recruitment process. This person has been given all the training and support they need but they are not willing to stand on their own two feet and work out any problems in their own and they come to me every single time. I get sent multiple screenshots of emails, worksheets every single day. He even asks me how he should word emails. He was hired to provide me with more capacity but I feel like instead of helping he is adding to my workload. There have also been multiple times he is showing as away when he is supposed to be working. I can’t go on like this anymore. This job has taken a toll on my mental and physical health. I have lost all my confidence and don’t feel strong enough or confident enough to go out into the job market and look for something else. I’ve stopped looking after myself and I look awful. I just don’t know what to do and feel trapped. I’ve tried talking to my manager but to no avail. I feel totally stuck in this situation and don’t know what to do.

If you’re not feeling confident about looking at the jobs market yourself have a chat with a recruiter, that way they will be able to match your CV with the right jobs and you’ll only really hear if you’re called for an interview. There are plenty of jobs around at the moment and it sounds like you’ll be treated better elsewhere.

Morning, couldn't read this and not reply. It is an awful feeling isn't it, feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. I'm feeling this way too after stepping up into a manager role with no training.
First off, you need support. Can you arrange some counselling through work? visit your GP who might prescribe you something to take the edge off? You've stopped looking after yourself and feel trapped. You're not trapped but it's awful feeling this way. The guy who is giving you extra work, can you gradually respond less so he finds his own answers/uses his own initiative? anyone else you can direct him too? or take some time off sick while you prioritise your help?

Who line manages this man - your manager?

OP....breath. 3 deep breaths. Really!

This is exactly the meaning of toxic workplace.

I have been there. You cannot see an out.

What I came to realise is that you need to speak up. Email (so there is a record) saying you don't have adequate support & the workload is unsustainable, that you're working consistently over your hours etc. Keep it factual & objective. No emotion. Tell them you need to speak to them about what can be done to improve things.

Line managers are paid more partly to resolve these issues. It's not purely your problem to solve.

Hope it improves.

Sending hugs. It's grim. First, do something about your own health - counselling, holiday, time off sick - all of the above. It may feel impossible but it really helps (been there done that). Second contact line manager/HR. You need help and other people need to know this guy is struggling. If you're his line manager need to have a clear talk with him about expectations - there may be further training and support needed or he may need to be managed out. Please don't suffer in silence. Good luck.

Are you financially ok? If so, I'd consider some initial legal advice to check your rights. How long have you worked there?

The correct approach is, I believe, to raise a grievance. Your workplace should have a policy.

You have to lay out what is happening so they have chance to fix it. Read up on company policies before doing anything. ACAS also has useful guidance.

Step one is to stop trying to complete all the work, do a normal days work today. Anything non-critical can be left?

Look after yourself.
Speak to your manager, ask for an appointment. Then tell him everything you've written down here. You can tell the truth and say what you want to say verbally. Then follow it up with an email (shortened and less emotional with just the main points), so that there's a paper trail. Ask for support in all areas. Take notes as to what he suggests.

You've aloud been given good advice here, and there are many Mumsnet threats that you can search with similar problems that will offer step-by-step practical advice on what to do with this employee. Not down times and dates he's away, build a care. Arrange a meeting. Tell him (others will help you phrase this better) , that you've noticed he defers ti you frequently but that needs to reduce so how can you enable him to ,,, (basically have the courage to write his own emails, make his own decisions, without bothering you!) etc. address each point one by one.

This is basic managing. And you should be following basic principals.

A grievance about what @MidnightOnceMore ? Working with a colleague who’s not very good??

Who is the line manager? You or someone else?
I f not you, you need to urgently speak to their line manager today. Tell us what you’ve said here. They need to deal with it and put in time lines/ milestones for what this person needs to achieve.
If you, you need to have a 1:1 where you are very clear about the issues. State that he cannot email you about everything. Let him know what your expectations are. Be very clear. Put it to him that his job is to make your life easier.

Also, just do what you can do. There are only so many hours in the day. And unless you’re a brain surgeon or something, hopefully nobody’s life depends on it.