Different ways for saying no at work
in glorious, professional English
Saying no at work is awkward. This goes for all levels of English-speakers, and probably in all languages. So when your co-worker asks you to add another task to your list, or take on a massive project, or participate in a useless meeting, how can you say ānoā?
Firstly: donāt say exactly what is on your mind (if your inner thoughts are similar to mine, youād probably lose your job the minute you voiced them to a colleague). Instead, for beautiful, harmonious professionalism, transform what you WANT to say, into what you SHOULD say. Here are 6 examples.
1. NO WAY, Iāve got too many tasks
Probably the most common reason for saying no at work is when youāre asked to do more work than is humanly possible. Before you respond with the āNO WAY!ā sentence above, try an assertive response like:Ā
Sorry, but I canāt take on more work at the moment. Iām sure you understand.
The best thing is, the expression āIām sure you understandā is vague, it calls for the other person to show empathy, and is basically very difficult to contest. A winner.
2. ABSOLUTELY NOT, youāre asking too late
Last-minute demands are irritating, but instead of responding with the line above, say this:Ā
Due to timing, I would be unable to give this task the proper attention it deserves. Iām sure you understand.Ā
Here youāre using the hypothetical āwouldā to show that there is not a real chance of this happening with such short notice. Not. A. Chance.
“Thanks for thinking of me, but I think we can find a better fit for this particular project. “
3. NO. NO. NO. Iām not working outside my scheduled hours
16.59 on a Friday afternoon and a colleague starts making demands about things that need to be completed āurgentlyā. Sound familiar? Instead of working during your personal time, reply with this:
I’m happy to discuss this on Monday when I return to the office.Ā
Now close your laptop and enjoy the weekend.
4. Nahhhhā¦I donāt know how to do that
An honest reason for saying no at work is when you really donāt have a clue about the task in question! A smart way to phrase that is:Ā
Thanks for thinking of me, but I think we can find a better fit for this particular role/task/project.Ā
āA better fitā = someone else (preferably someone you donāt like).Ā
5. NOT NOW, ask me later when Iām free
Maybe you just need a little more time before you can agree to whatever is being asked of you . In that case, reply with:Ā
Another time might work. Let me get back to you.Ā
This shows that you are happy to complyā¦within reasonable time expectations.
6. NOā¦because no
Sometimes you just donāt want to. Giving your co-worker a vague answer will help you here, for example:Ā
Sorry, I canāt commit to that right now.
With no opening here for questions or follow-up, the message is short and clear: no no no.
But remember to say yes
While these expressions are great ways to turn people down, you will (unfortunately) need to say āyesā at some points, too. Your boss probably wouldnāt accept āanother time might workā in the same way as your colleague. However, when used in an appropriate context, these expressions are definitely useful tools to set boundaries. Best of all, they are professional and cordialĀ – the perfect balance for saying no at work.Ā
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Susie Shields
I train people to use English in a professional context. In my one-to-one sessions, online course and social media platforms, youāll master tools to flourish in your English-speaking workplace. From job interviews to work meetings to presentations and more, youāll prepare for professional challenges and speak with success.
