Workload

The term workload applies to any external condition or demand that has an impact on the physical or psychological wellbeing of people at their place of Work. These include both discernible and indiscernible factors in the form of (non-individualised) workload factors. If an individual element of workload can be quantified, it is known as a workload factor.

Workload factors include environmental influences (noise, climate, harmful substances), physical and psychological demands related to work, Work organisation and working time. Psychological workload is based, among other things, on the social relationships within a company (superiors, atmosphere).

The result of improper workload is that employees are either overstretched or underutilised. Employees who are overstretched rapidly become fatigued and can experience physical complaints over the long term. However, employees who are underutilised can also suffer health complaints over time.

While the term 'workload' describes causes, the term 'work strain' refers to the effects that work has on those undertaking it. The same workload will result in different levels of strain in different people.