Schnellenbach and Schmid’s theory of workload

Schnellenbach and Schmid’s theory of workload suggests that an individual’s experience of workload depends on the balance between the demands of a task and their available resources to handle those demands. When demands exceed resources, stress and fatigue can occur. Conversely, if resources meet or surpass demands, performance remains stable. The theory emphasizes that managing workload involves adjusting either task demands or enhancing resources—such as skills, tools, or support—to maintain optimal functioning and prevent overload. It provides a framework to understand how to improve work conditions and support employee well-being effectively.