My convenience-store chain was recently acquired and the restructuring has increased my workload and stress. I’m feeling overwhelmed and burned out, but I don’t want to risk my job by speaking up. How can I manage burnout while navigating all of these changes?
When a convenience-store chain undergoes an acquisition, restructuring is inevitable. For employees, this often means increased workloads, shifting responsibilities and heightened stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed but hesitant to speak up, you’re not alone. Managing burnout while navigating these changes is crucial to maintaining both your well-being and job performance.
Here’s how you can cope effectively:
Acknowledge the Challenge
Recognize that acquisitions and restructuring create uncertainty, longer hours, and shifting responsibilities. Validate the stress and emphasize that burnout is a real issue that affects performance and well-being. The validation will help you feel you’re not alone in navigating this challenge, as your colleagues are likely experiencing the same feelings and concerns.
Identify the Signs of Burnout
Burnout can manifest as exhaustion, decreased motivation, irritability, disengagement and even physical symptoms like headaches or trouble sleeping. Be self-aware as these common symptoms can lead to a declining performance on your part. Acknowledging these signs early can help you take proactive steps to mitigate them.
Prioritize and Set Boundaries
With an increased workload, it’s essential to distinguish between urgent and non-urgent tasks. Use time management techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix to help prioritize your tasks by categorizing them as urgent or important. This will help you avoid feeling constantly reactive. Set boundaries by clearly defining your working hours and avoiding the temptation to constantly be available outside of them, such as limiting after-hour emails or designating “focus” time. Recognize that overworking doesn’t always lead to better results; working smarter is more sustainable.
Communicate Strategically
If speaking up about your workload feels risky, approach the conversation strategically. Reframe your fear of speaking up as a discussion on effectiveness rather than a complaint. Suggest a proactive conversation with leadership and instead of simply stating that you’re overwhelmed, present specific concerns along with potential solutions. As an example, you could say “With the restructuring, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities. To ensure I’m delivering the best results, can we discuss priorities and resources?” And then frame your concerns with solutions, such as delegating tasks, redistributing workload, automating processes, implementing efficiency tools, etc.
Lean on Internal and External Support
Seek guidance from colleagues, mentors or professional networks who may have navigated similar transitions. Exchanging experiences and strategies can provide both emotional support and practical advice. A mentor or sponsor can help you navigate career concerns amid the transition. Industry networking groups can offer leadership development and peer support. Have conversations with your colleagues within the company; they are likely feeling similar pressures and leaning on them can be beneficial to them as well.
Take Care of Yourself
Remember that self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity to maintain performance and well-being. Incorporate mindfulness, exercise, or relaxation techniques into your routine. Small adjustments like deep breathing exercises, short walks during shifts to reset, or listening to calming music can significantly reduce stress levels.
Plan for the Future
If burnout is unmanageable and persists despite your best efforts, it may be worth evaluating your long-term career path. If the new work environment is unsustainable, exploring other opportunities within or outside the company may be a viable option. Prepare by keeping an updated resume and staying connected to internal company and industry opportunities, even if changing roles isn’t the immediate plan. Create your own call to action: “Start small—pick one thing today to regain control of your workload, and don’t hesitate to seek support. You’re not alone in this.”
Be Resilient
Navigating workplace restructuring can be challenging, but by recognizing burnout, setting boundaries, seeking support and managing stress proactively, you can maintain both your well-being and professional stability. Remember, your health and peace of mind are just as valuable as your job security.
Leading NOW has created a session on Building Resilience to help navigate this challenge. If you think your organization would benefit, I encourage you to recommend it to your company or contact us for more information. Corporate changes are often beyond your influence, but your response to them is within your control.
To Submit a Question
If you have a question for Julia, simply submit your question to julia.lazzara@leadingnow.biz. While we can’t promise she will be able to answer all of the questions she receives, our goal is to provide you with the insights and advice you need to have a successful career.
Julia Lazzara is the president of Leading NOW, an organization shaping the future of workplace dynamics by advocating women’s advancement and engaging male allies to bring gender balance to leadership. Leading NOW is a founding partner and educational content provider for CSP’s C-Store Women’s Event (CSW). Reach her at julia.lazzara@leadingnow.biz.
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