The Society for Human Resource Management calls it "work
intensification"—the practice of employers trying to
squeeze more productivity (and hours!) out of their workers.
A survey by the global management consulting firm Accenture
confirms that nearly two-thirds of employees are reporting
an increased workload and exponentially higher levels of
stress. With the Internet and cell phones, more employees
also are taking their work home with them.
How can today's already overworked employees and managers
just say no without losing their jobs? It's simple: just
say no.
Stress experts at the Mayo Clinic report that the stress
that comes with trying to squeeze in too many assignments
at work, topped off with too many activities off the job,
can be remedied with that one word: no.
"Saying no is not a selfish act," Mayo Clinic researchers
wrote in a recent report. "When you say no, you'll be able
to spend quality time on the things you've already said yes
to."
Here are four tips on how to say no at work without risking
a negative response.
1. Be sensible. Do your internal homework before you
respond. Ask yourself: Is it worth risking your physical
health to avoid saying no? Overwork and over-stress can
jeopardize your overall productivity and your long-term
health and happiness. Don't risk your health and long-term
career prospects. Just say no!
2. Add a positive to a negative. When you say no, add a
positive to lessen any ill will or negative reactions to
your no. Example: "I must say no, because I want to do the
best job I can on the project I already am working on for
you."
3. Be ready with a compromise. When a superior asks you at
five minutes before the end of the workday to do extra
work, ask if you can consider this after you have completed
a project already in the works. Ask if you can respond the
next morning when you can be energized and ready with your
best answer. Ask if you can share the extra workload. Add a
compromise to your no, and you will minimize a poor
response.
4. Decorate your 'no' with good manners. When you say no,
use polite language to minimize any ill will. Say I'm
sorry. Say I respect you and wish I could say yes. Say
'please' and say 'thank you' throughout your conversation.
Keep in mind that good manners can be contagious.
It's up to you to minimize your own stress and now you've
got the tools to do it.
----------------------------------------------------
Ruth Klein, America's De-Stress Diva™, is owner of
the award-winning firm The Marketing/Time Source. With a
master's degree in clinical psychology, she brings her
unique, practical perspective to clients ranging from
homemakers to Fortune 500 executives. Klein, an AOL stress
management coach, also is the author of the best-selling
Time Management Secrets for Working Women and five other
books on business and lifestyle topics. Sign up to receive
Ruth's 7 Part Mini-Course on Branding and Productivity.
http://tinyurl.com/25tqo5
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