Are you being asked to help but you are overloaded with work? How should we reject helping our colleagues?

Have you ever been overloaded with work but then someone asks you for more help? How would you respond? Do you think that refusal is rude and you always agree to help? Learn to say no appropriately when you cannot handle additional tasks!

1. I’m afraid my hands are tied

Sorry, I’m afraid my hands are tied as I’m on a tight schedule for this project.

2. Sorry that I was preoccupied with…

Sorry, I was preoccupied with a meeting. I’ve to go now.

3. Sorry, I’m swamped with work right now

Sorry, I’m swamped with work right now. I need to organize all of this stuff today.

4. Sorry, I could not make it. I got so buried in work.

A: Could you get lunch for me?

B: Sorry, I could not make it. I got so buried in work so I have planned to skip lunch.

5. I’d like to help you, but I really can’t take up any more tasks right now.

I’d like to help you, but I really can’t take up any more tasks right now. I have three project deadlines coming up.

6. It isn’t in my wheelhouse but I believe sb would be able to help.

Coding isn’t in my wheelhouse but I am sure John would be able to help.

7. This is not within my remit

This issue is not within my remit and I’m afraid I couldn’t do it.