5 Tips for saying 'no' at work
You probably recognize yourself in the following situation: your calendar is pretty full with all kinds of tasks and/or appointments in the near future. A colleague comes to you and asks if you can help out and if a certain task can come your way. You don't really have the time, but you don't dare say no. How do you say no in a professional manner at work?
Tips for saying 'no' at work
Saying no at work can be very difficult. You don't want to come across as rude or miss opportunities, but you also don't want to overdo it. Especially not when you are reintegrating. There is a reason why you dropped out or were declared (partially) disabled at the time. Here are some tips that can help you be able to say no at work.
Tip 1: Be honest and clear
If you want to say no to a request or task, be honest and clear about the reason why. For example, "I would like to help, but my current to-do list is too full and I cannot handle it on short notice." Or, "Currently I am building up in hours and can't pick up additional tasks. I would like to help, but it is important for my health to stick to the tasks I have and not exceed anything." Have clear for yourself what is important and set priorities.
Tip 2: Come up with alternatives
If you say no to someone's request, it is important to show that you are willing to think along. Show that you are open to alternatives by saying, for example, "I can't handle it on short notice, but I can help if we reschedule for the next few weeks." Or try to put the person through to another colleague who may have the space.
Tip 3: Indicate at another time whether or not it will work out
You may not be clear (yet) on what your schedule actually looks like and whether there is room to provide your colleague with help. Park the question and give a date and/or time with the deadline of your answer. Then give yourself time to discover if you can come to the aid of your colleague without making too much hay.
Tip 4: Indicate that your answer is not meant to be personal
Be clear in your communication. Indicate that you are willing to help, but that you have to say no to this. Explain that you don't mean it personally, but that this is due to your full schedule and/or current limitations.
Tip 5: Don't be afraid of your colleagues' reaction
This is another common reason why many people are afraid to say no. In this, apply the NIVEA rule: "Don't Fill In For Another." After all, you never know for sure how another person feels about you. Only when you set boundaries for yourself and are clear about what you can and cannot handle in your work, will your colleagues know what they have on you and will respect it. It's better to be realistic up front about what you can and can't do, than to end up in trouble because you've made too much of a mess.
Learn more about reintegration opportunities
In short, saying no at work can be difficult, but is sometimes necessary. Especially when you are currently (partially) incapacitated by your current limitations. By communicating clearly, being open to alternatives and setting priorities, you can say no in a professional manner without impeding cooperation.
The career and reintegration consultants at Puls are not only there to find suitable reintegration options when an employee drops out or becomes (partially) disabled. They are also there to make reintegration go as smoothly as possible and to prevent the employee from dropping out again. More information about our reintegration support options can be found on our website.
