Do you want to know the best ways to say “no” to your boss?
After all, it can be a bit worrying to simply reject their proposal when they present one to you, right?
Well, it’s a good thing you came across this article.
We will teach you how to say no to your boss in a polite way.
You can refer to these synonyms to see what works best:
- I’m afraid I can’t commit to that
- I appreciate the opportunity, but I have to decline
- I have conflicting priorities at the moment
- I’m unable to take on additional tasks right now
- Regrettably, I have to say no to that request
- My workload doesn’t allow for additional responsibilities
- I’m not able to accommodate that request at this time
- It’s not feasible for me right now
- I need to focus on my existing projects
- I’m at capacity with my current tasks
Keep reading to learn how to professionally say no to your boss. We’ll go on to explain more regarding each of the synonyms listed above and how they work.
1. I’m Afraid I Can’t Commit to That
You can start by using “I’m afraid I can’t commit to that.” It’s a great phrase showing you how to say no to your boss without saying no.
The problem most people have with saying “no” is that it’s too negative or blunt.
However, this phrase keeps things formal and honest. So, it’s one of the best synonyms to use when you’re trying to say no to your boss for extra work.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn more about how to use it:
Dear Mr. Kingston,
I’m afraid I can’t commit to that, as it’s too much for my workload.
However, I’ll let you know if anything changes moving forward.
Yours,
Barry Smore
2. I Appreciate The Opportunity, But I Have to Decline
Another way to politely decline your boss is by saying “I appreciate the opportunity, but I have to decline.”
This is an excellent choice when you want to say no to your boss without getting fired.
After all, it’s respectful and sincere.
It shows that you’re happy to be considered for an opportunity, but you simply can’t fit it around your schedule.
There’s nothing wrong with refusing to do something if you have a good enough reason to do so, after all.
Also, you can check out this email sample to learn more:
Dear Ms. Hazel,
I appreciate the opportunity, but I have to decline.
Please feel free to think of me in the future if something like this comes up again.
Yours,
George Martens
3. I Have Conflicting Priorities at the Moment
Next, you can write “I have conflicting priorities at the moment.” This works well in response when your boss asks you to do something you don’t want to.
You can use “conflicting priorities” to show that you simply don’t have a way to fit something into your schedule.
The more things that “conflict,” the more realistic this phrase seems.
Also, it helps that it’s formal and polite. So, it’s one of the best ways to reject your boss without saying “no” outright.
You can also review this sample email to learn more about it:
Dear Miss Powell,
I have conflicting priorities at the moment.
I don’t think I’m going to be able to assist you with this further for the time being.
Yours,
Charlie Brown
4. I’m Unable to Take on Additional Tasks Right Now
Another great alternative to use here is “I’m unable to take on additional tasks right now.”
Often, this is a great way to be formal and direct.
Using “unable” shows you simply cannot accept a job someone is offering you. The implication is that you’re already too busy, so you don’t see a way to reasonably make something happen.
You can also use this as a more polite way to turn your boss down. It often works quite well when you regret not being able to help.
If you’re still unsure, you can check out this example to learn more:
Dear Miss Galley,
I’m unable to take on additional tasks right now.
I’ll be in touch again soon when I’ve cleared my schedule, though.
Thank you so much,
Sharon Mortimer
5. Regrettably, I Have to Say No to That Request
We also recommend using “regrettably, I have to say no to that request.” This is formal and works well in most professional cases.
It’s also very polite. Starting the phrase with “regrettably” lets someone know just how disappointed you are that you can’t help them.
Therefore, it’s a great choice to use in most written cases when you’re trying to avoid letting your boss down too badly.
We think you should review this example if you still need help:
Dear Mr. Clarkson,
Regrettably, I have to say no to that request.
However, I hope you’ll keep me in mind for any upcoming changes.
Yours,
Carla Pilkington
6. My Workload Doesn’t Allow for Additional Responsibilities
Another great way to say no to your boss is “my workload doesn’t allow for additional responsibilities.”
This is formal and direct. It’s got a clear message behind it that suggests you simply cannot accept any additional jobs at the moment.
For the most part, this is a great way to be honest when rejecting your boss’s request. And to top it off, your boss will often be happy to accept something like this as a reason why you can’t help them.
It’s best to review this example if you still need help with it:
Dear Miss Jenkins,
My workload doesn’t allow for additional responsibilities at the moment.
I’m so sorry, but I won’t be able to accept this offer.
Best wishes,
Sally Taylor
7. I’m Not Able to Accommodate That Request at This Time
You can use “I’m not able to accommodate that request at this time” in some instances.
For example, it works well when you want to say no to your boss when they ask you to come in.
If they’ve asked you to come in on your day off, something like this is polite and respectful when turning them down.
After all, it suggests you have other ties or commitments, making it too difficult for you to attend work.
Feel free to review this sample email if you still need help:
Dear Mr. Alberto,
I’m not able to accommodate that request at this time.
I’m afraid I simply have too many things happening at home to come in.
Best wishes,
Sean Apt
8. It’s Not Feasible for Me Right Now
You might also benefit from writing “it’s not feasible for me right now.”
This is an excellent way to show that you’re not happy to do something or can’t make it fit into your schedule.
For the most part, it’s formal and respectful. So, it’ll go a long way when quickly letting your boss know that you can’t help them.
Generally, your employer will appreciate something like this. Therefore, we recommend using it to retain a positive and professional tone.
If you’re still unsure how it works, you can review this email sample:
Dear Ms. North,
It’s not feasible for me right now.
However, please keep me in mind if something like this comes up again in the future.
Best wishes,
Sam Smarts
9. I Need to Focus on My Existing Projects
It’s also smart to write “I need to focus on my existing projects” when you want to say no to your boss.
This suggests you already have a lot on your plate. “Existing projects” might already take up all your time, so it’s likely you don’t have the time or energy to dedicate to anything else.
Therefore, this keeps things honest and direct.
It’s an excellent way to shut someone down when they’re asking whether you can help them out. However, it’s still polite.
So, you don’t have to worry about upsetting your boss if you include something like this in your email.
Also, you can review this example to learn some more:
Dear Ms. Barrows,
I need to focus on my existing projects right now.
I’ll let you know if any time frees up for me to do this, though.
Best wishes,
Shaun Bradley
10. I’m At Capacity With My Current Tasks
Finally, we recommend writing “I’m at capacity with my current tasks.”
This is a great way to be honest and formal when replying to your boss.
The suggestion is that they’ve already given you plenty of tasks to work through. So, you can use something like this to remind them that you don’t have time to dedicate to anything else.
Generally, your boss will be understanding when you use something like this.
After all, it’s straightforward and open, suggesting that you’d love to help, but you can’t.
You can also check out this email sample to learn more:
Dear Miss Hodge,
I’m at capacity with my current tasks, I’m afraid.
However, I know a few other people who might be willing to help with this.
Best wishes,
Suzie Clark