Managing Online Instructor Workload Without Burnout

 

Online teaching offers flexibility—but it also comes with a unique set of time-management challenges. Without intentional boundaries and planning, instructor workload can spiral into burnout.

 

In Managing Online Instructor Workload, we offer strategies for sustaining quality instruction while protecting instructor well-being.

 

Consider the following:

• Establish communication windows: Let students know when and how you’ll respond to inquiries.
• Automate where possible: Use rubrics, reusable feedback banks, and automated reminders to reduce repetitive tasks.
• Design with clarity: Reduce confusion by building intuitive navigation and clearly communicating expectations.

 

Workload management is a critical skill for online educators. It allows us to maintain high standards of teaching while preserving our energy and enthusiasm over time.

 

Conceição, S. C., & Lehman, R. M. (2011). Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success. Jossey-Bass. 

 

How do you protect your time while staying connected with students? Share your tips in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum.

 

Be Present, Not Overwhelmed: Communication Strategies That Work

Staying connected with students is critical to their motivation and retention. However, constant communication can become overwhelming for faculty if not managed strategically. Conceição and Lehman (2011) encourage faculty to think of presence as a blend of automation, routine, and personalization.

 

Start by establishing communication expectations early. Create a communication plan that outlines when students can expect responses, where to post questions, and how announcements will be shared. This avoids daily surprises and repeated questions. Faculty can then stick to scheduled windows for checking emails or discussion boards, rather than being pulled into constant interruptions.

 

Use automated communication tools whenever possible. Most LMS platforms allow faculty to schedule weekly announcements, assignment reminders, or personalized feedback releases. These tools help maintain consistent contact with students without daily effort.

 

Creating a bank of reusable responses to common student questions also saves time. This can include templates for syllabus questions, tech support issues, or assignment clarifications. For more individualized support, faculty can schedule short virtual office hours or use audio/video messages to communicate more efficiently.

 

Faculty Tip: Use technology to support your presence, not replace it. Scheduled and thoughtful messages can go a long way in building trust and reducing your daily communication load.

 

 

Reference

Conceição, S. C., & Lehman, R. M. (2011). Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success. Jossey-Bass.