Can You Say No to Overtime?

Your company has a big project coming up. Your boss just told you that you’re going to have to work overtime on it…a lot of it. But you don’t really want the overtime. Can you say “no” without getting in trouble?

As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami, Future Force knows pushing back on your boss can be an intimidating thought. After all, they have a lot of power over you. However, if there is a real issue where you can’t work overtime, or take on some other new demands at work, then it’s up to you to say no…but in a diplomatic, respectful way.

Your first step should be to talk with your boss. If there is a legitimate reason you can’t work overtime, or more hours, then explain why. For instance, you might be dealing with personal issues at home, or health problems.

If you aren’t able to take on all the extra hours your boss has in mind, but can take on some, offer to do what you can instead. You might say something along the lines of:

“Can we talk about the upcoming project and the work hours you’re expecting? I just can’t work an extra 20 hours each week because of [insert reason here]. But I can do 10 hours a week for the next couple months.”

That said, you should generally try to be flexible with your boss. If you can work overtime – you just don’t feel like it – that’s going to reflect poorly on you in the future when the boss is handing out raises or promotions. It can impact your ability to get ahead in your company and in your career.

Keep in mind too that unless you have a contract, your employer can require you to work whatever hours they want. However, most managers and bosses are sensible and will only require you to work hours that are reasonable. But the point is that even if you say “no” to overtime, your boss can still require it anyway.

The bottom line? If you can accept it, you should.

Do you need help finding a great job with great hours? Contact the employment experts at Future Force. As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami, we can connect you with the top employers – and the top jobs – in and around South Florida. Contact us today or search our Miami jobs now.