If your coworker asks for help at the last minute, here’s what to consider

In many workplaces in the United States, there is a common scenario that happens just before a deadline, when an employee suddenly needs help at the last minute. This leads to a quiet tension in the workplace that is never openly talked about. These requests may be small in nature, but they affect the workflow and make employees quickly change their priorities while also having to be mindful of the social aspect.

According to research done on the topic and published in Work & Stress and available through the National Institutes of Health, these requests are not haphazard but are a pattern in the workplace. This leads to situational stress as the employee now has to divide their attention between their work and the urgent need for help from another employee.

Why does it feel difficult to refuse

Imagine if a colleague of yours asks you for help at the office. You would barely think of saying “no” outright. If you give it a deeper thought, why, it’s simple - social settings’ pressure, right? It happens to everyone. Another factor is that of being perceived as less knowledgeable, unhelpful, and uncooperative.


Anticipated guilt becomes a major driver of helping behaviors, according to PubMed. More than offering genuine help, most of the employees would end up helping others to avoid the discomfort and awkwardness.

As such, even when employees are aware that the requested action will negatively impact their performance, they will still be pressured to say yes.

When helping leads to burnout

Ever thought what would happen if you end up helping someone constantly? Well, the long-term effect isn’t just some temporary stress. It’s very serious! These repeated interruptions can lead to long-term emotional exhaustion.

According to Newswise, employees who frequently prioritize helping others over their own tasks are more likely to experience burnout. From reduced productivity to declining job satisfaction, all of this leads to frustration and nothing more.

It drains the person out, leaving less capacity for focused and meaningful work.

Finding a healthier balance

An employee will always benefit from drawing boundaries. He or she will be able to help out a colleague while also maintaining a balance between productivity and a good working relationship.

So, research shows that they have a huge impact on a person's attitude towards their job, colleagues, and their general well-being.

Next time, if you spot yourself in a similar situation, make sure to have healthy boundaries. It’s okay to help your colleagues out for whatever reason, but not on those personal-level costs. After all, you got your own work to do, too.