Saying “what's going on” at work
Why it can fall flat
“what's going on”
Written words carry no tone, so “what's going on” can read as a demand or even an accusation when it arrives cold. Most of the time you only want a status update or an explanation, so name what you noticed and what you need instead.
Say this instead
- 01
Hey, I noticed the shared tracker hasn't changed since Monday. Can you give me a quick update on where things stand?
Coworker · Chat
Spotting a stall in shared work is where this fits, since it names what you saw instead of hinting at blame.
- 02
Could you help me understand where the budget review stands? I want to plan around the right timeline.
Boss · Email
Asking someone senior for information goes down well here because you request help and give your reason.
- 03
I wanted to check in on the signed contract we expected last week. Could you let me know where it is on your side?
Client · Email
With a client's late item, it states the expectation and asks about their side without scolding.
- 04
I saw the report is still open. Can you walk me through where it stands and whether anything is blocking you?
Someone you manage · Chat
As a manager, you invite the person to raise obstacles so they don't feel interrogated.
- 05
Hello, I haven't heard back since my interview last week. Could you let me know where things stand in the process?
Recruiter / HR · Email
After a long silence from a recruiter, it asks for a status politely and without pressure.
- 06
Hi Casey, we noticed your payment didn't go through. Can you tell us what you saw at checkout so we can look into it?
Customer · SMS
For a failed payment or order, it asks for details in a neutral, helpful tone.
- 07
Lots of messages in the project group. Can you tell me what happened? I'd like to be up to speed before the 3pm call.
Coworker · SMS
When you're out of the loop, this gets a fast summary from someone who was there.
Examples
Hi Renee, I noticed the supplier order from last Thursday still shows as pending. Could you let me know where it stands and whether anything is holding it up? I'd like to give the team a clear delivery date by Friday. Thanks, Alex
Hi Bronwen, the client folder hasn't been updated since Tuesday. Could you give me a quick update on where the proposal is? I'd like to know before my 2pm call.
What to avoid
- Sending “what's going on?” by itself in chat can read as alarmed or annoyed.
- Adding “now” or “exactly,” as in “what exactly is going on?”, makes it sound like an interrogation.
- A group channel is the wrong place for a question that is really about one person's work.
- Guessing at causes or assigning blame before you have the facts tends to backfire.
- People respond better when they know why you're asking, so include a reason or a deadline.