diff --git a/kernel/workqueue.c b/kernel/workqueue.c
index 437935e7a199..0695c7895c89 100644
--- a/kernel/workqueue.c
+++ b/kernel/workqueue.c
@@ -3728,17 +3728,24 @@ static void pwq_adjust_max_active(struct pool_workqueue *pwq)
 	 * is updated and visible.
 	 */
 	if (!freezable || !workqueue_freezing) {
+		bool kick = false;
+
 		pwq->max_active = wq->saved_max_active;
 
 		while (!list_empty(&pwq->delayed_works) &&
-		       pwq->nr_active < pwq->max_active)
+		       pwq->nr_active < pwq->max_active) {
 			pwq_activate_first_delayed(pwq);
+			kick = true;
+		}
 
 		/*
 		 * Need to kick a worker after thawed or an unbound wq's
-		 * max_active is bumped.  It's a slow path.  Do it always.
+		 * max_active is bumped. In realtime scenarios, always kicking a
+		 * worker will cause interference on the isolated cpu cores, so
+		 * let's kick iff work items were activated.
 		 */
-		wake_up_worker(pwq->pool);
+		if (kick)
+			wake_up_worker(pwq->pool);
 	} else {
 		pwq->max_active = 0;
 	}