Overload Indicator
Overload Indicator
Indicating overload
Many employees are under increasing pressure to perform and fulfil their responsibilities daily. This can be caused, among other things, by the lack of staff resources, inadequate work organisation or distribution as well as less optimal processes. Therefore, all employees who feel permanently overloaded at work should submit a corresponding overload report (individually or jointly).
An overload report serves to protect you as an employee and your health. Permanent overwork can lead to mistakes related to work that can have legal consequences. By submitting a notification of overwork, you inform the employer of the overwork situation and related supportive action can be initiated. At the same time, the employee has the opportunity to discharge themselves in the case of any liability claims.
FAQ on indicating overload
Who can report overload?
Every employee (see §4 NPersVG) is entitled to report overload.
How can I report overload?
By using the "Notification of overload" form, which can be found among the files of the administration portal.
The notification can also be informal. In this case, the following should be included:
- Name of the employee notifying and information on their organizational unit,
- Brief description of the work regularly performed or assigned to,
- Description of the overload situation (as precise as possible),
- Effects of the overload situation on the quality of work and, if applicable its consequences
- possible risks for the person reporting the overload, for third parties or the university
- any liability risks that may arise and
- any suggestions for remedial action.
Who do I have to report the overload to?
Overload is to be reported to the director of the department or any other immediate leader in charge. This person must provide a written confirmation with a date and a signature (possibly email). Given justified reasons and the employee is not in a position to report the overload to this particular person, they can contact the next higher head.
Is the Staff Council automatically informed about the report and does it take action?
No, the Staff Council is not informed automatically in case of overload reports. If you wish so, please indicate this at the bottom of the form "notification of overwork" or list it separately in case you report overload informally letter. You can also pick a particular member of the Staff Council to receive your report.
Note: Ticking "Copy to Staff Council" does not automatically involve the Staff Council. If you wish to involve the Staff Council, you must contact them directly.
Will I suffer any disadvantages as a result of reporting overwork?
The person reporting the overload situation must not suffer any disadvantages. Performance and/or behavioural checks in connection with the overload report are not permitted.
What happens after I have reported overload?
This is regulated in § 4 Procedure for processing an overload report in the corresponding service agreement. Please see this document for details, the exact procedure is described there.
How can I reassure that the measures taken have led to betterment?
The feedback form for reporting overload can be used for this purpose. This should then be sent to all those involved in the process.
What happens to my personal data?
This data will only be processed for the purpose of carrying out this particular procedure unless further processing is necessary in individual cases to protect life and limb as part of the employer's duty of care, or if a legal obligation makes further processing necessary. The data will be deleted two years after the beginning of the procedure (upon notification of workload). See also § 6 Data protection in the service agreement on the procedure for reporting excessive workload.