UAE jobs: Do you say ‘no’ enough at work? Experts say probably not

However, to keep up with competitiveness today, declining requests feels more challenging than tackling an overflowing inbox for many professionals.

So, what is the best way to respectfully decline a work task without letting it affect your mental health, as well as your productivity?

Saying ‘no’ is about protecting your time, energy, professional integrity, say experts

“Saying ‘no’ protects your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. It’s a powerful tool for maintaining boundaries and staying productive. It also shows that you are able to make tough decisions, and you are not too weak to use your voice when needed,” Noona Nafousi told Arabian Business.

Echoing the sentiment, Justin Kent from Hawksby Career Consultancy, added that saying ‘no’ is about “protecting your professional integrity and delivering quality work. It’s not about refusing everything but learning how to prioritise effectively while maintaining respectful relationships with colleagues.”

Kent also illustrated the critical importance of establishing workplace boundaries, referencing a recent tragic incident in India that sparked national outrage following the death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an employee at Ernst & Young (EY), in September.

According to the BBC, her death came under spotlight following her mother’s letter to the EY India chairman Rajiv Memani, where she detailed the alleged work pressure her daughter experienced at work, which included, late working hours, tasks assigned at unreasonable hours, and more.

While this is just one incident, there are several employees today that experience immense work pressure at their workplaces today. According to the 2023 Work in America Survey, conducted by the American Psychological Association, 19 per cent of workers report toxic workplaces, with higher rates in customer service and in-person work environments. And while 89 per cent are satisfied with co-worker relationships, 26 per cent still experience workplace loneliness.

The survey also revealed that 81 per cent are satisfied with work control, but 26 per cent feel their employer doesn’t respect personal boundaries.

So, why is it important to say no?

“Saying ‘no’ is crucial for setting boundaries and maintaining focus on your priorities. It prevents over-commitment, which can lead to burnout, compromised work quality, and reduced effectiveness,” Kent said.

According to another report by the US National Library of Medicine, while saying ‘yes’ is a “positive and reassuring answer,” it can cause problems, eventually resulting in the individual to become more overwhelmed with too many tasks.

“An answer of “yes” should only be given when the conditions of agreement fit within one’s personal and professional limits. Learning how to say “no” is a tool for developing these boundaries that are essential for a successful career in research. It takes courage to say no, but it maintains liberty by setting limits,” the report added.

Nafousi explained that saying ‘no’ is not a hostile approach and can also be said politely without causing damage to work relationships.

“Be clear, be respectful, and offer an alternative. “No, I can’t take this on right now, but I can help with [this] instead,” shows you’re still a team player while protecting your time and you are able to speak up for yourself,” she advised, adding that when a request “compromises your workload, energy and scope of work (within reason), or conflicts with your values, it’s time to say ‘no.’ It’s about ensuring quality, not just ticking boxes.”

But, what if employees face push back after saying ‘no’?

“Confidence is key here. Do not feel guilty or ask if that’s ok or try and make up for it. The more confident your no is the less likely there will be push back and if there is show exactly what you are saying it,” Nafousi said.

Kent also added that it helps when an employee can reiterate your reasons and offer possible compromises.

“It’s important to stay calm and avoid taking any pushback personally. That is easier said than done, but if you don’t say no you might be asked again and again.  If you’re junior then involve your manager or other responsible figure within the business,” he said, adding that having an emotional quotient (EQ) is essential, considering that employees would be working with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds.

“You need to understand cultural differences and expectations, using tactful communication is key.  In some cultures, saying ‘no’ is viewed as disrespectful or confrontational, while in others, it’s a sign of assertiveness and professionalism.  You need to gauge your language when saying ‘no’ and have the context behind your decision scripted,” he said.

What is the best way to say ‘no’ at a workplace?

“It is important to be clear, respectful, and have a good reason. You might offer an alternative solution, for example, “I appreciate the offer, but I’m currently focused on a project, maybe we can revisit this later,” Kent said, adding that communication is key.

“Give context to your ‘no’ and frame it in terms of how it benefits the organisation. Context could be explaining that you want to maintain quality and focus on key priorities. Practicing what you want to say and how you’re going to say it before hand, it can build confidence,” he said.

Nafousi warned that failing to say ‘no’ when necessary can lead to burnout, decreased performance, and loss of control over one’s priorities.

“If you’re saying yes to everything, you’re saying no to your well-being and saying not to a promotion. The ones who get promoted are ones who do say no because it demonstrates your leadership abilities,” she said, adding that a “great way” is to “show your boss your workload and ask them how would you like me to reprioritise my work to get this done in that timeframe. It’s not what you say but how you say it.”

“Saying ‘no’ is having enough self-worth to value your own well-being. It’s not a weakness—it’s a strength that is normally reflected by how much you value yourself,” she concluded.