Tell you what, saying 'no' isnât the easiest thing you can do. Things get especially tricky when you have to put your foot down and say 'no', particularly, at work. To your manager, to your co-workers or even work friends.

Workplaces suck that way, there are way too many deadlines and KRAs to meet, but whatâs worse is the endless sprinkling of âpseudo expectationsâ. It never ceases to amaze me how even the otherwise 'inefficient' labelled employee is also burdened with expectations that are practically beyond their capacity. 

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But who cares, right?

If your boss calls for a quick huddle that lasts close to an hour and has no real output, can you say 'no' to it next week? If your manager calls you anti-social for missing one unofficial team hangout sesh, can you say 'no' the next time? If a colleague expects you to pick on someone who bothers you, can you say 'no'?

The answer to all that is a YES in all-caps and here are 5 other work situations when itâs absolutely okay to say a straight-forward no:

1. Impractical Goal-Setting Thatâs Bound To Tank

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You cannot claim to have worked and not faced this from the moment you were eligible to call yourself an earning member of the society. 

While a few things in your goal-setting are meant to push you, give you exposure and help you grow professionally, some of them can be sly ways of screwing up your performance and therefore appraisal. Kyunki kuch toh reason chahiye na?

First, say 'no' when you see it, and then keep the door open for discussion, if needed.

2. Extra Workload When Youâre Already Loaded

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Again, I know work often demands that you multitask, but when you are literally loaded and overworked, itâs simply unfair to give you more projects and added responsibilities. Not only does that impact the quality of our work, but also adds unnecessary stress and frustration to your life which honestly we can do away with.

If this is happening to you, say 'no' and that you canât right now. If they persist, let the delegator know how you have your hands full ATM and wouldnât be able to do justice to the extra workload.

3. Office Parties/After Work Hangouts You Donât Want To Be A Part Of

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I, personally, love this one, and Iâm pretty sure so does every other introvert and/or ambivert out there. For some of us, this literally is a task in itself. It takes away a lot of our energy and mental peace to socialise with a large group of people we donât personally relate to. 

But to fake that just for the heck of it, or to adhere to some invisible social/office etiquette is beyond us when weâd rather chill at home or with people who matter.

I say, donât compromise on whatâs more important for your happy energy and say 'no' to these parties if you want to. Because you can.

4. Anything That Goes Against Your Personal Ethics

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The corporate scene is twisted. Working in a team and working under authority often means you would have to hold your tongue even when you donât agree to something. 

But hereâs what, if your boss wants you to give a negative HR feedback about a fellow colleague that you donât agree with, say 'no'. If someone expects you to share their personal grudge but you donât, say 'no'.

If something forms a lump in your throat, do not swallow it. Spit it out and walk away.

5. Discussions That Have No Relation To Work

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You donât want to bitch about âhowâ that dude or dudette got the big project? Donât. Donât want to indulge in talks related to political inclinations? Donât. 

Donât want to get involved in the matters of faith? Donât. If you do not want to participate in discussions that are non-work related or add anything to your productivity, donât.

Decline the offer or just get up and leave.

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