How to say “not a big deal” professionally

Say this instead

1. 01

   No worries at all, it didn't cause any problems. Thanks for letting me know.

   Coworker · Chat

   Use it when a colleague apologizes for a small slip, since it reassures them and thanks them for speaking up.

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2. 02

   Thanks for flagging the delay. It doesn't affect our timeline, so there's nothing you need to change on your side.

   Client · Email

   Pick this for an anxious client, because it gives the concrete reason the delay is minor.

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3. 03

   Thanks for checking in. It's a minor issue and I have it under control.

   Boss · Chat

   Send it when your manager asks about a small problem, as it stays calm and shows you looked at it.

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4. 04

   Hi Ciaran, thanks for pointing out the typo. It's minor and easy to fix, so please don't worry about it. Good catch.

   Someone you manage · Email

   Try it when someone you manage is nervous about a mistake, because it eases the stress and credits their attention.

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5. 05

   Hi Rowan, thanks for letting us know you're running ten minutes late. That's fine, we'll see you when you get here.

   Customer · SMS

   Fits a quick text to a customer who is apologizing for a small delay.

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6. 06

   Thanks for the update on the new interview time. It's a small shift and it works for me.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Choose it when a recruiter apologizes for a change, since it confirms you are fine with it.

   Use for my message
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7. 07

   Thanks for the reminder. It's low priority for me right now, so I'll pick it up after the Friday report.

   Coworker · Email

   Reach for it when someone chases a task you see as minor, because it explains where the task sits without dismissing them.

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8. 08

   Quick update: the printer issue was minor and is sorted now. Nothing needs your attention.

   Boss · SMS

   Good for a short message to a busy manager who only needs to know the issue is handled.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Don't use “not a big deal” when the other person clearly feels the matter is important to them.
• Words like “just” or “only” can shrink their effort, as in “it's just a typo”.
• A sigh or a curt one-line reply can make the phrase read as irritation.
• Sarcasm such as “sure, no big deal” usually comes across as meaning the opposite.
• If something will still need action from them, don't call it minor; say what, if anything, is needed.

Related phrases

• Alternatives to “it is what it is” at work→
• Better ways to say “meeting recap about training”→
• A kinder way to say “on it”→
• A kinder way to say “sure”→
• A kinder way to say “no worries”→
• How to say “I can't attend after all” professionally→