How to Set a Work Speed That Works for You

You're only human.

And yet, you're racing to keep up with a high-tech, automated system that seems to get faster every week.

Your colleagues are struggling too, but the pace is set by metrics and targets that don't seem to be accounting for real-world variables. Whatever happened to being a living, breathing person?

Deep down, you know you could deliver better quality work if you had more control over your pace.

Do you feel like you have no say in your own work speed?

This feeling of being pushed to work at an uncomfortable pace isn't just stressful – it's a significant workplace issue related to job control. Having input into your work rhythm is crucial for both quality outcomes and your wellbeing.

Understanding Job Control

Having influence over your work pace is an essential aspect of job control. This includes being able to adjust your speed based on task complexity, available resources, and your own capacity to deliver quality work.

When you have control over your work speed, you can find the sweet spot between efficiency and accuracy, leading to better outcomes and reduced stress.

However, when work speed is entirely dictated by external factors, it can affect both your performance and your health.

Why It Matters

Here's why having no say in your work speed needs attention:

• It can lead to errors and quality issues when you're forced to rush through tasks
• It creates unnecessary stress and anxiety that can affect your physical and mental health
• It diminishes job satisfaction when you can't take pride in delivering your best work

But you don't have to accept a pace that doesn't work for you. There are ways to gain more control over your work speed while still meeting organisational needs.

1. Track Patterns

Document when speed requirements affect quality or safety, noting specific examples and outcomes to build a compelling case for change.

2. Propose Alternatives

Develop realistic suggestions for work speeds that balance efficiency with quality, using data to support your recommendations.

3. Talk It Out

Initiate a conversation with your supervisor about finding a sustainable pace that benefits both you and the organisation.

Setting Your Pace

Finding the right work speed isn't about slowing things down – it's about finding a sustainable rhythm that allows you to deliver your best work consistently. Of course, some deadlines and targets are necessary, but you can always take steps to influence how you meet them.

Also, by using MOOD.ai to monitor how you feel about your work pace each day, you can identify when speed pressures are becoming unsustainable and address them proactively.

Your wellbeing and work quality matter. Equally.

Finding the right pace can help you maintain both, while still meeting your workplace responsibilities.