Workload Pressure - Koru Development

Why working harder is making your organisation less effective — and what the evidence says about sustainable performance

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The Challenge :

Most organisations respond to workload pressure by asking people to do more. More hours, more efficiency, more resilience. The evidence is unambiguous about where this ends: in burnout, attrition, presenteeism and organisations that are busy but not productive. The problem isn’t usually the people. It’s the systems, cultures and expectations that frame overwork as commitment and exhaustion as dedication. This programme addresses workload pressure at both the individual and organisational level — giving people practical tools to manage demand intelligently, and giving leaders the frameworks to create environments where sustainable performance is actually possible.

What participants will learn :

Understand the difference between pressure that drives performance and demand that destroys it — and where their organisation currently sits
Apply the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model to identify what is draining energy and what is sustaining it
Recognise perfectionism and imposter syndrome as workload amplifiers — and develop practical countermeasures
Use the Start / Protect / Stop (SPS) framework to make active, values-based decisions about how to allocate time and energy
Build personal boundaries and decision rules that protect sustainable standards — not lower ones
Understand Heifetz's distinction between technical and adaptive problems — and why most workload issues require adaptive solutions
Design team-level workload norms that distribute demand fairly and protect collective wellbeing

Evidence Base :

Every participant receives the SPS Worksheet — a practical standalone tool to work with beyond the session.

Licensing available: organisations can license this programme for internal delivery. Ask about our Train the Trainer pathway.

Who It's For:

All-staff wellbeing programmes | Leaders and managers under sustained pressure | HR and L&D teams building a wellbeing strategy | Healthcare, education, charity and public sector organisations | Any organisation where workload is affecting retention, performance or staff health

Testimonial :

“Koru is a great way of understanding yourself and managing your life. It helps you work out a healthier balance between action and thought and creates both physical and mental harmony. Simple techniques that can be learnt even if you are an experienced manager already. I would recommend the professionalism and wisdom of their approach and people.”

Ruth Spellman Chief Executive, WEA

“Gill and Viv ran a Leadership Workshop for our leaders. It was a valuable introduction with practical steps for managing oneself and others. The session was interactive, supportive, and well prepared. They were professional and easy to work with throughout.”

Larissa Morrish Head of Procurement, Lancaster University

“Koru made a real difference to the effectiveness of our training courses. Their subject knowledge gained the respect of delegates, and their facilitative approach encouraged valuable discussions. They created an environment that allowed ongoing support for participants.”

Dr Hilary Lindsay Chairwoman, ICAEW & CABA Trustee

“My first meeting with Koru was during Wellbeing Week. They instantly made everyone feel at ease. Very organised yet flexible, and created a comfortable and enjoyable environment. I would highly recommend them.”

Coleen Crane HR, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Europe

“Gill and Viv ran a fantastic mindfulness course at the V&A. They are knowledgeable, caring, and responsive to participants’ needs. The sessions were engaging, well-structured, and supported by research. We highly recommend working with them.”

Jenny Phelan Learning Academy Programme Manager, V&A

“We have worked with Koru Development on multiple occasions. Feedback has always been very positive. Their combination of professional content and personable delivery works extremely well. I would warmly recommend them.”

Nina Waters Corporate Services Director, British School of Osteopathy

“Koru’s training session was first class. The day was thought-provoking and highly engaging. I came away with a greater understanding and useful resources. I would highly recommend them.”

Wendy Saunders Head of Development, CABA

“It was a pleasure to work with Gill. She is an inspirational facilitator. The session was worth the investment and I would happily attend further seminars.”

Dr H Turton NHS

“Koru’s session was extremely helpful after a very busy year. They helped us reflect on stress and provided practical strategies. The approach was supportive and created a positive space for growth.”

Dr Philip Dixon Director, ATL Cymru

“I have worked with Gill on stress management projects. She is perceptive, responsive, and thorough. Her sessions are informative and stimulating. I look forward to working together again.”

Nicki Landau Head of HR, ATL

“I learned valuable skills in self-management, negotiation, and working under pressure. I have already applied these in my role and shared them with colleagues. Thank you for the knowledge and experience.”

Zina Habib Project Associate, United Nations, Iraq

“Koru delivered a tailored session for our team in compassionate care. They helped bring the team together, identify strengths, and set goals. I highly recommend them for team development.”

Aruna Ramineni Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician

“We’ve worked with Koru for coaching and workshops. They are efficient, responsive, and professional. We’ve received great feedback from staff and would absolutely recommend them.”

Ellie Cannell Head of HR, IPPF

“Koru are one of the most hassle-free training partners we’ve worked with. Their sessions are tailored, engaging, and effective. We now use them for multiple training needs and highly recommend them.”

Claudia Meyer-Scott Director, Clarasys

“I have never seen such fantastic feedback for an external provider in 25 years. Delegates praised the sessions and many requested follow-ups. A truly valuable experience.”

Yvonne White Manager, Wrexham Medical Institute

“Koru delivered training on Leading and Managing Change. They understood our needs and delivered in a professional, engaging way. All participants found it highly beneficial.”

L Ritchie Human Resources, Combat Stress

“Insightful psychology and engaging delivery helped us understand team dynamics better. The training was immensely helpful and encouraged growth.”

Anna Somerset Head of Fundraising, British School of Osteopathy

“We have been working with Koru Development for a few years and feedback from the Building Resilience course is always excellent. Gill’s training style puts people at ease and her expertise means that delegates walk away with new methods to support their wellbeing. The Growth Mindset course was bespoke and highly relevant. Koru Development offer unlimited after support to learners, which shows how much they care.”

Angela Schlegel Learning and Development Manager, Natural History Museu

“ Having just completed eight weeks with my team working with Gill at Koru, I have already noticed a marked improvement in the resilience and composure of both myself and my team. The combination of easily accessible techniques, supported by proven science and research, helped the team accept and engage with the programme. It won’t be for everyone, but for those that do give it a go, it has the potential to be one of the most impactful pieces of personal development they will do in their careers.”

David Cole COO, UK Sport

" One more testimonial. ‘Gill and Viv of Koru opened up the minds of me and my colleagues to a new vocabulary which described our lived experience, helped us to understand it, and - most importantly - helped us to handle it. Many if not people are resistant to change, but change is increasingly unavoidable. To be happy and successful is to learn how to thrive in an environment of constant change. A growth mindset helps you to achieve this."

Catherine Brown Associate Professor in English at Northeastern University London

Courses :

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Gill Thackray

Gill Thackray is a performance psychologist and founder of Koru Development. Her work on workload, burnout and sustainable performance has been featured in The Guardian and international media, and she has delivered workload programmes for NHS England, Health Education England, the BBC, UAL and Fortune 100 companies. Gill holds a PGCE.

Viv Dutton

Viv Dutton is a positive psychologist and CIPD qualified trainer, specialising in resilience, wellbeing and sustainable performance. She has delivered workload and wellbeing programmes for the NHS, the Financial Times, Spotify and the Wellcome Trust, among others.

Ready to address workload pressure in your organisation?

We’ll design the programme around your sector, your culture and the specific pressures your people are navigating.