A practical lesson focused on recognising, managing, and discussing workload in real working environments. The session explores how multitasking, interruptions, and stress affect performance – and what supports safer workload management in practice.
Designed for Crew Resource Management (CRM) and human factors training.
+ Main topic: Workload management
+ Related topics: Stress and stress management; human error and reliability; resilience development and mental flexibility; threat and error management; effective communication; case study
+ Training length: 40 minutes
+ Included: Student handout, group exercise, lesson plan with instructor notes, PowerPoint slides, background information for the instructor
+ Access: Instant download after payment
+ File formats: Pdf and PowerPoint
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Intuitive design
CORE ELEMENTS
The workload management lesson plan explores how task-switching increases cognitive load, reduces accuracy, and raises stress levels. Using concrete examples, short audio and video clips, and facilitated discussion, participants explore how workload affects situational awareness, communication, and decision-making. Practical tools are introduced to explore how workload and stress can be managed together in real time.
INCLUDED
A fully structured session with clear trainer guidance, supported by trainer notes, slide references, and student handouts. The complete package includes the lesson plan with trainer notes, PowerPoint slides, Mood meter handout, and suggestions for relevant external video clips. The material is designed to be easy to use and adaptable, allowing you to deliver the session with confidence.
LENGTH
Designed to be flexible and can be used as a stand-alone session or as part of a longer CRM or Human Factors programme. It can be adjusted to allow more time for discussion and reflection, with trainer notes indicating where the session can be shortened or expanded depending on time and group dynamics. When delivered as a stand-alone session, the lesson takes approximately 40 minutes.
The Workload Management Lesson Plan is designed as a practical facilitation tool. Rather than promoting unrealistic ideals of constant efficiency, the lesson focuses on awareness, prioritisation, and simple behavioural adjustments that support performance under pressure.
The session works particularly well within CRM and Human Factors training, but is equally relevant for flight instructors, healthcare educators, and trainers working in complex, high-demand environments where interruptions, time pressure, and competing tasks are part of everyday work. While aviation- inspired, the learning is not aviation-dependent and transfers easily across domains.
Developed by trainers for trainers, the lesson supports meaningful reflection on workload – helping participants better understand their own limits and how to manage them more effectively.
We have gathered the most frequently asked questions from our customers to help you in the best way possible
The workload management lesson plan is designed for trainers working with workload, stress, and human performance, including CRM and Human Factors trainers, flight instructors, healthcare educators, and trainers in safety-critical environments
Participants gain greater awareness of their own workload limits, a clearer understanding of why multitasking increases stress and error risk, and practical tools for prioritising, focusing, and regulating stress in real working situations.
No. The learning points are universal. The lesson can be delivered effectively by trainers from non-aviation backgrounds.
No specialist equipment is required beyond standard classroom facilities, including a projector or TV and a flip chart or whiteboard.
Yes. The lesson is also relevant for healthcare settings, where multitasking, interruptions, and cognitive load directly affect performance, communication, and ultimately patient safety.
