How to Tell Someone You Don’t Want to Do Something Via Email

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At work, we are often asked to do tasks we’d rather not do. If, however, you have a strong case for why you shouldn’t need to do something, you’ll want a clear way to communicate this to your coworker, and one of the best ways to do this is through email.

To tell someone you don’t want to do something via email, be clear, concise, and polite. While offering a concrete reason can strengthen your case, it isn’t strictly necessary. That being said, offering a solution is both polite and a good way to avoid being pulled back into the conversation.

Here’s how to politely say “I don’t want to” at work.

How to Tell Someone You Don’t Want to Do Something Via Email

The first thing to consider when you don’t want to complete a work project is why you don’t want to. Having a concrete reason you can cite may make your coworkers more amiable to reassigning the task somewhere else. Perhaps you don’t feel qualified to complete a task, or you have too much on your plate already and don’t want to take on an additional workload.

If you have a reason, that should be the first thing you explain in your addressing email. If you don’t, consider simply stating that you don’t believe you’re a good fit for the work.

Once you’ve established your reasoning, attempt to offer an alternative solution. If you can’t do it, who can? What can be one so that you don’t have to take on the task at hand? Maybe there’s a simple solution that will make the task unnecessary anyway. Offer advice on how to proceed without you.

From there, it’s a simple matter of being polite but firm in your refusal.

If you’ve been asked to complete a certain task multiple times, you may choose to shorten your response to a firm but polite “no” and let them know the matter is closed.

Refusal Email Templates

Consider using this template the next time you are asked to do something you’d rather not do. You can adjust it to match the specific task and your workplace.

SUBJECT: Re: [Task]

Hi [Name],

While I appreciate being asked to [Task], I am unable to take on that responsibility at this time. This is because [Reason].

Instead, may I suggest that you [Suggestion]? That may help expedite the process. I wish you luck on this task.

Yours,

[Name]

Here’s what that might look like filled out.

SUBJECT: Re: New Brochure

Hi John,

While I appreciate being asked to design the new company brochure, I am unable to take on that responsibility at this time. This is because my workload is currently at max capacity; I am not accepting new projects from any department at this time.

Instead, may I suggest you bring on a freelance designer for the project? I know a few and can offer you their contact information upon request. That may help expedite the process. I wish you luck on this task.

Yours,

Mary

To offer a firmer “no” for a multiple-ask task, consider using this template.

SUBJECT: Re: [Task]

Hello [Name],

I will not be taking on [Task] due to reasons stated previously, including [Reason]. Please be advised that future emails regarding this task will be forwarded to the appropriate office for further assistance.

Thank you,

[Name]

So, Mary from our first example may respond to further requests from John with this.

SUBJECT: Re: New Brochure

Hello John,

I will not be taking on the new company brochure’s design due to reasons stated previously, including limited workload capabilities. Please be advised that future emails regarding this task will be forwarded to the appropriate office for further assistance.

Thank you,

Mary

 

Conor
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