Finding Your ‘워라밸’: How to Talk to Your Boss About Workload
Hello! Welcome back to [Maeil Hangeul], your go-to source for upgrading your Korean skills!
Ever felt like you’re drowning in work, with endless nights at the office? You’re not alone. Today, we’re tackling a crucial topic for anyone working in Korea: how to professionally discuss an overwhelming workload with your manager. This is your key to achieving that sweet, sweet “워라밸” (work-life balance).
Lately in Korea, “워라밸” isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a cultural movement, especially among the younger generation. The days of glorifying endless overtime are fading. But how do you bring this up without sounding like you’re complaining? Let’s dive into the sophisticated language you’ll need to navigate this conversation like a pro.
Core Expressions for Your 1-on-1 Meeting
Here are some powerful, professional phrases to help you express your concerns constructively.
- 한국어 표현: 업무량이 좀 과도한 것 같습니다.
- 발음 [로마자]: Eommu-ryang-i jom gwadohan geot gatseumnida.
- 영어 뜻: I feel the amount of work is a bit excessive.
- 상세 설명: This is the perfect opening line. It’s polite, indirect, and non-confrontational. 업무량 (eommu-ryang) means “workload,” and 과도하다 (gwadohada) means “to be excessive.” The grammatical pattern -는 것 같다 (neun geot gatda) softens the statement to “it seems/feels like,” which is much more diplomatic than stating it as a hard fact. It shows you’re sharing a personal perspective rather than making an accusation.
- 한국어 표현: 업무의 우선순위를 재조정할 필요가 있습니다.
- 발음 [로마자]: Eommu-ui useon-sunwi-reul jaejojong-hal piryo-ga itseumnida.
- 영어 뜻: We need to readjust the priorities of the tasks.
- 상세 설명: This phrase instantly elevates you from a complainer to a problem-solver. You’re not just pointing out an issue; you’re suggesting a logical next step. Let’s break it down: 우선순위 (useon-sunwi) is “priority,” and 재조정하다 (jaejojonghada) means “to readjust.” The structure -ㄹ 필요가 있다 (l piryo-ga itda) means “there is a need to,” framing the suggestion as a necessity for the team’s success.
- 한국어 표현: 인력 충원이 시급하다고 판단됩니다.
- 발음 [로마자]: Illyeok chung-won-i sigeup-hadago pandan-doemnida.
- 영어 뜻: I believe that reinforcing the workforce is an urgent matter.
- 상세 설명: This is a high-level, strategic suggestion. Use this when you genuinely believe the team is understaffed. 인력 충원 (illyeok chung-won) is a formal term for “personnel reinforcement” or “hiring more staff.” 시급하다 (sigeup-hada) means “to be urgent,” and the formal ending -다고 판단됩니다 (dago pandan-doemnida) means “it is judged/determined that…” This shows you’re thinking about the team’s long-term health and efficiency.
- 한국어 표현: 장기적인 관점에서 보면, 현재 방식은 지속 가능하지 않습니다.
- 발음 [로마자]: Janggi-jeogin gwanjeom-eseo bomyeon, hyeonjae bangsig-eun jisok ganeung-haji anseumnida.
- 영어 뜻: From a long-term perspective, the current method isn’t sustainable.
- 상세 설명: This is the ultimate phrase to show your strategic mindset. You’re concerned about burnout and its impact on future productivity. 장기적인 관점 (janggi-jeogin gwanjeom) means “long-term perspective,” and 지속 가능하다 (jisok ganeunghada) means “to be sustainable.” By framing your concern this way, you align your personal well-being with the company’s success.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions work in a real conversation between an employee (김 대리 – Assistant Manager Kim) and their boss (박 부장님 – General Manager Park).
A (김 대리): 부장님, 잠시 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.
Bujangnim, jamsi deuril malsseum-i itseumnida.
(Mr. Park, I have something I’d like to discuss with you briefly.)
B (박 부장님): 네, 김 대리. 무슨 일이죠?
Ne, Kim daeri. Museun irijyo?
(Yes, Assistant Manager Kim. What is it?)
A (김 대리): 최근 진행 중인 프로젝트 때문에 팀원들 모두 야근이 잦아졌습니다. 솔직히 말씀드리면, 업무량이 좀 과도한 것 같습니다.
Choegeun jinhaeng jung-in peurojekteu ttaemun-e timwondeul modu yageun-i jajajyeotseumnida. Soljiki malsseum-deurimyeon, eommu-ryang-i jom gwadohan geot gatseumnida.
(Because of the recent project, all the team members are working overtime frequently. To be frank, I feel the workload is a bit excessive.)
B (박 부장님): 그렇군요. 나도 그 점을 염려하고 있었어요.
Geureokun-yo. Nado geu jeom-eul yeomnyeo-hago isseosseoyo.
(I see. I was also concerned about that.)
A (김 대리): 장기적인 관점에서 보면, 현재 방식은 지속 가능하지 않습니다. 혹시 업무의 우선순위를 재조정할 필요가 있지 않을까 싶습니다.
Janggi-jeogin gwanjeom-eseo bomyeon, hyeonjae bangsig-eun jisok ganeung-haji anseumnida. Hoksi eommu-ui useon-sunwi-reul jaejojong-hal piryo-ga itji aneulkka sipseumnida.
(From a long-term perspective, the current method isn’t sustainable. I was wondering if we might need to readjust the priorities of our tasks.)
B (박 부장님): 좋은 생각입니다. 내일 회의 때 그 안건을 논의해 봅시다.
Joeun saenggag-imnida. Naeil hoeui ttae geu an-geon-eul nonuihae bopsida.
(That’s a good idea. Let’s discuss that agenda item at tomorrow’s meeting.)
Culture Tip: The Art of Professional Pushback
The concept of “워라밸” is a relatively new but powerful force in the Korean workplace. While the older generation might have valued “face-time” and enduring hardship, the MZ generation (Millennials + Gen Z) prioritizes efficiency and a life outside of work.
The key is how you communicate. Simply saying “I have too much work” (일이 너무 많아요) can sound like a complaint. But by using the phrases we learned today, you are framing the issue in terms of:
* Team well-being: “The team is overworked.”
* Efficiency: “Let’s re-prioritize to work smarter.”
* Sustainability: “This pace will lead to burnout and hurt the company in the long run.”
This approach shows that you are a dedicated, strategic employee who cares about the company’s future, not just your own free time. Mastering this sophisticated communication is what separates a good Korean speaker from a truly fluent one in a professional setting.
Wrap-up & Practice!
Today, we learned how to transform a potentially difficult conversation about workload into a constructive, professional discussion. By focusing on solutions and the company’s long-term goals, you can advocate for your “워라밸” effectively.
Now it’s your turn to practice!
- Sentence Building: Your team has just been assigned a third major project this quarter. How would you start a conversation with your manager using “업무량이 좀 과도한 것 같습니다”?
- Fill in the Blank: If you believe the only solution is to hire a new team member, you might say: “________ 충원이 ________고 판단됩니다.”
Leave your answers in the comments below! We’re excited to see you master these essential professional skills.
