If your boss asks you to take on additional tasks, be sure to clarify the reason.
If the workload is temporary and has a clear and understandable explanation, your agreement will put you in an advantageous position, since in the eyes of the boss you will appear as a reliable employee who can be relied upon.
But if you have to cope with additional work for a long time without any specific conditions, you should think twice before giving a positive answer.
When to give up
If you decide to answer “no,” do so diplomatically and with arguments.
If your core responsibilities are affected
A good reason to refuse is additional tasks that require a lot of your time and effort, which will prevent you from doing your main job well. In this case, explain to the management that with an increased workload, you (and the company) may have problems. Alternatively, offer partial assistance that will not affect the performance of your main duties.
If this is another employee's work
If the company is experiencing a shortage of specialists, it is likely that you will be asked to perform related duties. Try to convey to the management that a much more effective solution would be to find a separate specialist whom you are willing to help at first.
When is it worth agreeing?
If you feel that you can handle the extra workload and that doing it will benefit you, you can nod your head in agreement.
If you get a raise
Justify your request for a raise by citing your success in completing additional tasks.
If you develop skills
Some of the additional tasks may help you if you want to grow as a professional and learn new skills.
If you climb the career ladder
Sometimes additional work is offered to an employee in order to test his readiness for promotion. If you cope with the task successfully, it is quite possible that new horizons will open up for you.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya