How to reply to your manager asking you to take on extra work

Updated November 12, 2026

Reply within a day. Do not just say yes or no. Show your current workload in one line, then agree with a trade-off, ask which task to drop, or say you cannot take it on and why. Stay positive and specific. If you want the work, ask about recognition or support.

Reply

Within 1 day. Your manager is planning around you. A quick, clear reply lets them adjust, while a vague yes can lead to missed deadlines later.

What your reply should say

1. Thank them for trusting you with it, if you want the work.
2. Say what you are working on now and when it is due.
3. Offer a trade-off: what moves, what you need, or a new date.
4. Confirm the details of the new task and its deadline.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

Hi [Name],

Thank you for thinking of me for [new task]. I would like to take it on.

Right now I am working on [task A] and [task B], due [dates]. To fit this in, I would move [task B] to [new date]. Does that work for you?

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Happy to help with [new task]. My plate is full with [task A] due [date] and [task B] due [date].

Which should I put first? If I should pick up the new task now, I will need to delay one of those.

I would like this to go well, so I want to confirm priorities before I start.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for asking me. I would like to help, but I cannot take on [new task] without hurting the quality of [current work] due [date].

I could help after [date], or I can suggest someone who has room. Please tell me what is best.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are a few days late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Hi [Name],

Sorry for the delay in replying about [new task]. I can take it on if we can move [current task] to [date]. Otherwise, I can start on [date].

Could you tell me which suits the team? I want to get this right.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

• Saying yes to everything and missing deadlines. A clear yes with limits beats a late yes.
• Complaining about your workload. Show it with dates and let them decide.
• Saying no with no alternative. Offer a later date or a name.
• Agreeing without confirming the scope and deadline in writing.

Questions people ask

Can I say no to extra work?

Yes, if you explain it in terms of the work: your deadlines and the quality at risk. Offer another date or option. Check your contract and any role expectations, since some jobs include flexible duties. Agree on the changes in writing so nobody is surprised. If your role has grown for months, raise it at your next review with a clear list of what you now do.

Should I ask for a raise for extra work?

If the task is a lasting change to your role, it is fair to raise pay or title, but do it in a separate conversation. Saying yes now and asking at a review often works better than a surprise demand in this email.

More reply guides

• How to reply to an email moving your deadline up
• How to reply to your manager cancelling your one-on-one
• How to reply to praise from your boss
• How to reply to your manager's reply to your resignation
• How to reply to a congratulations email
• How to reply to a thank-you email at work

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.