Being employed and spending the majority of our waking hours in one or more industries in order to make money is an unavoidable aspect of adult life. Only a small percentage of us are able to avoid the routine of leaving for work because we need to pay our bills and put food on the table. Additionally, when you’re struggling to make ends meet and living paycheck to paycheck, it can occasionally give your employer more influence over your decisions.
Employees who work shifts frequently find themselves in an awkward situation where they are asked to cover And while coworkers occasionally experience emergencies and require assistance to cover their shift, it frequently happens that those who come to their aid are not appreciated for lending a helping hand. Sometimes the employer feels that it is something that the employee should do and be expected to do. Thesnadger, a Tumblr user, decided to write a strong reminder that despite working, we are all human and should have boundaries.
- Confirm your schedule. …
- Ask to have a conversation. …
- Give as much notice as possible. …
- Acknowledge your obligation. …
- Provide a reason. …
- Plan ahead for your workload. …
- Offer to make up the time. …
- Understand the consequences.
Why is open communication with your supervisor important?
The following are some crucial justifications for being transparent with your supervisor when discussing time off:
How to tell your boss you can’t work a shift
Following these steps will help you talk to your boss about the situation when you have a scheduled shift that you are unable to work:
1. Confirm your schedule
First, confirm that you are aware of your obligations both personally and at work. It’s always a good idea to adhere to your original work schedule commitments if you can do so while still adjusting your personal schedule to meet your obligations at work. Checking ahead of time prevents any miscommunications. To make sure you’re available, review your schedule and double-check the days and times of your shift.
2. Ask to have a conversation
Request a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your schedule. You can make sure your manager heard you, approved your request for time off, and found a solution to redistribute your duties or fill in for your shift by having a conversation with them.
3. Give as much notice as possible
Inform your manager as soon as you know you won’t be able to work a scheduled shift. Giving your supervisor and coworkers enough notice allows them to reschedule their shifts or tasks to better accommodate their workflow for the day, which is courteous and professional. Emergency situations can arise at any time, but it’s important to give as much notice as you can.
4. Acknowledge your obligation
When you start the conversation, be mindful of your obligations from the past and your current obligations. Being responsible and self-aware about skipping one of your scheduled shifts demonstrates to your manager that you understand your long-term role. Here are some ways to start the conversation:
5. Provide a reason
Clearly state your need for time off in a professional manner. By providing a justification, your manager may become more sympathetic to your situation and amenable to working with your schedule. If you require time off for a personal reason, such as a health issue or a private family matter, you can speak generally about it. Be truthful, and have a doctor’s note handy if you’re sick. Here are a few instances of legitimate justifications for skipping last-minute shifts at work:
6. Plan ahead for your workload
Ask a colleague to fill in for you if at all possible, or trade shifts with you, pending supervisor approval. You can also schedule projects to be finished on a different day or ahead of schedule. By discussing these plans with your manager, you can reassure them that you can still achieve your goals even though you take an unexpected day off. Some ways to negotiate this include:
7. Offer to make up the time
Offer to make up for lost time by working later on other days or taking on an extra shift on another day after explaining your new availability to make up for the inconvenience. This demonstrates your sincerity in taking the day off due to unavoidable circumstances and your commitment to the team’s success. Make a reasonable offer that youre confident you can uphold.
8. Understand the consequences
Be prepared for any possible outcomes if you are unable to work a scheduled shift without any excuse. Recognize that failure to show up for work may result in disciplinary action from your supervisor, who may refuse your request for a leave of absence.
Examine your priorities and consider the effects of missing your shift versus missing your personal commitments. Be respectful of your supervisor’s decision and let them know what you’ve decided.
9. Be firm about optional shifts
Be polite but firm when a manager asks you to work a shift on your day off or to fill in for a colleague when you’re unable to. Keep in mind that you are not responsible for working past your scheduled hours.
When possible, it’s nice to assist your coworkers in covering shifts, but before accepting, make sure you have time for yourself to rest and attend to your personal obligations. Here are some methods for informing your manager that you won’t be able to take on any more shifts:
Deputy How-To Episode 5: What to Do When You Can’t Work Your Shift
FAQ
How do you tell your boss you can’t work after hours?
You must legally notify me of my shifts at least 24 hours in advance, so I’m sorry I can’t make it in today. I’m not able to come in on such short notice.
How do I get out of work shifts?
Be truthful and provide the most advance notice possible if you need to leave a shift. Effective communication with your employer goes a very long way. Commonly acknowledged explanations include illness, stress or burnout, a family emergency, or automobile accidents. Forgetting, social events or being tired are normally frowned upon.
Can you be forced to cover a shift?
Read 83 answers. There is no obligation to remain to cover a shift. If someone is unable to work their shift, it is company policy that they must find their own replacement or a doctor’s note must be provided. If you are asked and are willing and able to cover the shift, great!
How do you reject a night shift?
- Make an effort not to appear unkind or rude to the interviewer.
- If you’re declining, be sure to provide a good explanation.
- Say “I don’t think I will be able to give a night shift my 100 percent” rather than “I don’t want to work night shifts.”
