Why Your Workload Keeps Growing Without You Agreeing To It

Why Your Workload Keeps Growing Without You Agreeing To It

From You Are Not A Frog by Dr Rachel Morris

May 18, 2026 · 1h 1m · Episode 321

About this episode

This episode discusses the issue of increasing workloads without consent and how to manage responsibilities effectively.

If you constantly find yourself picking up tasks that nobody else will do, staying late to cover gaps, or slowly absorbing more and more without anyone asking you to - this episode is going to name exactly what's happening. Occupational psychologist Leanne Elliott joins Rachel to unpack why over-responsibility isn't a personality flaw; it's what happens when you don’t have absolute clarity on what tasks are definitely part of your role – and, more crucially, what tasks aren’t. They explore why conscientious professionals in under-resourced settings are most at risk, how the 'if I don't do it, who will?' question keeps people stuck, and what you can actually do this week to start auditing what belongs on your plate and what doesn't. Key Takeaways Role clarity is a recognised psychosocial risk factor, and when it's absent, taking on extra work feels like the only option, even when it's pushing you towards burnout. A simple daily audit - writing down tasks that drained you, that weren't in your role, or that you did out of fear rather than responsibility – can give you the data to have important but calmer and less personal conversations with your team about your roles. Rest and…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Rachel Morris

Guest: Leanne Elliott

Topics covered

  • workload management
  • role clarity
  • occupational psychology
  • burnout prevention
  • responsibility audit

Keywords

  • workload
  • responsibility
  • burnout
  • role clarity
  • occupational psychology

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