However, if that goal is constantly unrealistic, employees can feel like they’re not achieving. Staff often get a buzz from hitting their targets. This only increases the pressure, as the rest of your team will need to meet set targets with one less pair of hands. If expectations of employees are too high, this could lead to them taking time off work for stress related illnesses. If your deadline is also unrealistic, staff may need to spend longer on the project and work overtime, which all adds to your overall cost. If you set your budget based on unrealistic expectations, you may be surprised when project costs overrun. This can lead to mistakes and poor quality outcomes.ĭISCOVER MORE MANAGEMENT ADVICE 3. To achieve unrealistic expectations, employees may be forced to rush work, cut corners and not take proper care. If your team regularly misses targets, this could lead to questions raised from your own manager, asking why your team are underachieving. Setting unrealistic expectations at work means that it’s increasingly unlikely that your team will be able to achieve them. Here are eight examples of short and long-term consequences of unrealistic expectations at work: 1. Whilst you may think that setting super-ambitious goals can help your team achieve more than if a much lower target was set, it may in reality have a far-reaching effect on your employees and your overall business success.

Perhaps you set deadlines that you don't realise are impossible? Maybe you sometimes ask for unachievable results? Or you may occasionally expect employees to complete projects with a limited team, or inadequate budget? 8 consequences of unrealistic expectations at workĭo you often find yourself setting unrealistic expectations at work for your staff?

Ontime reporting robert half