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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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