What to say instead of “work faster”
Why it can fall flat
“work faster”
When a deadline is slipping or a backlog is growing, people tend to say “work faster,” but it sounds like a verdict on effort. Usually the writer wants a specific result by a set time and to learn what is blocking it.
Say this instead
- 01
Can we get the draft to the client by Thursday noon? If something is slowing you down, tell me what it is.
Someone you manage · Chat
Use this with a report when a deadline is slipping, since it names a time and invites them to flag blockers instead of implying laziness.
- 02
My part is waiting on your section. Could you send it by 3 pm today? Even a rough version would let me start.
Coworker · Chat
Try it when your work depends on a coworker's, because it explains the impact and accepts a partial version.
- 03
Hi Kayla, could you send your approved copy by Friday 5 pm? That is what we need to keep to the agreed launch date.
Client · Email
This suits a client who is the bottleneck, since it ties the request to a shared date rather than blaming them.
- 04
Your sign-off is the next step and the deadline is Monday. Could you review it by Friday so we stay on schedule?
Boss · Email
Pick it when a manager's approval is holding things up, because it states the dependency and gives a neutral deadline.
- 05
Could the next interview round be scheduled sooner? I'd like to keep things moving and I'm free any day this week.
Recruiter / HR · Email
A slow hiring process calls for this one, as it shows interest and makes scheduling easy for the recruiter.
- 06
To book your repair for this week, we need your approval on the quote today. Could you reply by 4 pm?
Customer · SMS
Customers respond well when their delay affects your schedule, because the deadline is linked to something they want.
- 07
Quick one: the report is due at 2 pm. Can you send what you have by 1? A rough version is fine.
Someone you manage · SMS
Urgent, short-notice requests fit here, since it gives a clear time and lowers the bar for a first version.
Examples
Hi Sophie, The supplier comparison is the last item before we can send the proposal on Friday. Could you share a first version by Wednesday midday? If anything is holding it up, let me know today so we can decide what to move. Thanks, Lou
Hi Peyton, the invoice batch needs to go out by 4 pm today. Where are you with it, and is there anything blocking you that I can help clear?
What to avoid
- Vague pressure like “hurry up” or “we need this ASAP” with no time or date attached only adds stress without direction.
- Comparing the person to colleagues or to how fast someone else works will feel unfair and personal.
- Guessing at the reason for the delay is risky, so ask what is in the way instead.
- A group message puts the person on the spot when a private one would do the job.
- Hints of irritation such as “as I said before” will color the whole message, so leave them out.