Alternatives to “I'd like more work” at work
Why it can fall flat
“I'd like more work”
When someone asks for more work, this line skips how much time they have and what kind of work they want, so “I'd like more work” can sound idle, unhappy or willing to take anything. Most people want something useful, on workable terms.
Say this instead
- 01
I have some room in my schedule this week. Is there anything I could pick up, ideally something on the analytics side?
Boss · Chat
Fits a quick, informal ask because it names a time frame and a preferred area, so your boss can answer easily.
- 02
I've finished the main items on my list and have around ten hours a week free. I'd be glad to take on more. Could we talk about what would help most?
Boss · Email
Use it for a proper conversation, since the numbers show your capacity and let your boss set priorities.
- 03
I'd like to take on more, as long as we agree what moves or pauses if priorities clash. Could we find 15 minutes to go through it?
Boss · Email
Good when you want more work but need to protect your workload, because the trade-off is set up front.
- 04
Hi Naomi, my week is lighter than usual. Happy to take on more if anything needs doing. Can we chat tomorrow?
Boss · SMS
Suits a boss you already text with, and keeps the message short and low-pressure.
- 05
I'll have some spare time next week. If you need a hand with anything, tell me what it is and I'll see what I can take.
Coworker · Chat
Offers help without overpromising, so you can still turn down something that doesn't fit.
- 06
I'd like to take on more of the testing work. Could we split the tasks differently from the next sprint?
Coworker · Email
Useful when you want a specific kind of work and need a teammate to agree to share it.
- 07
We have capacity from next month and would be glad to do more with you. Is there anything coming up we could help with?
Client · Email
Lets an existing client know you're available, and doesn't hint that you're short of work.
- 08
I'm open to extra project work alongside my current role. If anything suits a UX writer, please send me the details.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Makes clear what kind of work you want and that you're staying in your current job.
Examples
Hi Anita, I've wrapped up the quarterly report and my calendar is fairly clear for the next three weeks. I'd like to take on more work, ideally something involving customer data. If you have a project that fits, I'd be happy to talk it through, and we can agree what to deprioritize if things get busy. Thanks, Hamish
Hi Jody, I've got about half a day free each week through March. If there's anything on the design backlog you'd like to hand off, I can take a look. Just tell me what's most useful.
What to avoid
- Saying “I'm bored” or “I have nothing to do” can sound like criticism of your boss or your team.
- Asking for more work without giving a rough amount of time or a kind of work leaves your boss guessing.
- “I'll take anything” may leave you with the tasks nobody else wants.
- Agreeing to extra work before checking what happens to your current priorities and deadlines is a risk.