SSL offloading is a process where the task of encrypting and decrypting secure data is handled by a dedicated device, rather than the main server. This allows the server to focus on processing requests and serving content, improving overall performance and speed. By using load balancers or application delivery controllers, organizations can manage SSL certificates and handle secure connections more efficiently. This not only enhances the user experience by reducing latency but also helps in scaling applications to accommodate more users without overloading the main server.