Saying no to extra work: discuss what needs to move

A colleague asks you to finish another report today. Your existing deadline is still in place. Before replying, list the work already agreed, the time the request needs and who can decide priorities. These are communication exercises, not instructions about your contractual duties.

Try: “I am working on tomorrow’s delivery. If I take on this report too, that delivery will move. Which task takes priority?” Offer only what is realistic, such as checking one section or discussing a later deadline. You do not have to invent an alternative that creates the same overload.

If the colleague insists, return to the practical choice. “I understand it matters. We still need to agree what will move.” If neither of you controls the priorities, ask the person who does. Workload also involves organisational responsibilities and resources.

You can revisit a rushed yes: “I agreed too quickly. Having checked my schedule, I cannot finish both on time. Can we decide the priority now?” Raise it early and summarise what was agreed. For persistent overload, discuss the amount of work and available support, not only the words you use.

Choose one current request. Write down what would need to move and who can make that decision. Practise your first sentence, then review whether the conversation led to a specific agreement.