When 'no' is the hardest word at work

SMU Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources (Practice) Michael Benoliel said that several factors come into play when employees feel they cannot say no to their employer. He said: "When a request comes from a figure of higher authority, it is sometimes expected that you will say yes. When saying no, there is also an implied threat that if you always say no, then you are not a team player and you are not keen to take on more responsibility." Associate Prof Benoliel shared about how employees could deliver rejection effectively, and said that bosses need to be sensitive and aware of how much work each employee takes on. They also need to identify competent people who can complete the task under the current working conditions.