Workplace Communication Scenarios

Employee: Good morning, Mr. Davis. Could I schedule a meeting with you to discuss my project progress?
Boss: (Accept and suggest the time)

• Sure, let me check my calendar. How about tomorrow at 10 AM?

• Can’t you see I’m busy?

• Just send me an email instead.

• I don’t have time for that.

Employee: Hey, Jake, I need your help with this report. Can you review it for me?
Coworker: (be a supportive coworker)

• I’m happy to help! Let me take a look at it.

• No, that’s not my job.

• Ask someone else, I’m too busy.

• Why should I?

Employee: Excuse me, Ms. Thompson. Could you clarify the deadline for the client proposal?
Boss: (Give a direct answer)

• You should already know that.

• Of course! The deadline is Friday at noon.

• Just figure it out yourself.

• I don’t have time to answer that.

Employee: Hey, Alex, I’m running late on this task. Could you cover for me in the meeting?
Coworker: (You are free and can support your coworker)

• No way. It’s not my problem.

• Sure! I’ll take notes and update you later.

• That’s your responsibility, not mine.

• Why should I help you?

Employee: I really appreciate your guidance on this project, Mr. Carter.
Boss: (willing to give assistance)

• That’s what I’m here for! Let me know if you need more support.

• I don’t need your appreciation.

• Don’t bother me with that.

• It wasn’t a big deal.

Employee: Hi, Emma, I just finished the report. Could you review it before I send it?
Coworker: (willing to help)

• Sure! I’ll check it now and let you know if any changes are needed.

• Why are you asking me?

• I don’t have time for that.

• That’s not my job.

Employee: Excuse me, Mr. Lee, I have an idea to improve our workflow. May I share it with you?
Boss: (encourage the employee to contribute to the company)

• Of course! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

• Not interested.

• Just do your job.

• I don’t have time for ideas.

Employee: Hey, Sarah, let’s grab a coffee during lunch and catch up.

Coworker: (Accept)

• Sounds great! Let’s go at 12:30.

• No thanks, I don’t like socializing.

• Why would I do that?

• I don’t talk to coworkers outside work.

Employee: Ms. Johnson, I made a mistake in the report. I’ll correct it right away. I’m sorry for the oversight.

Boss: (understand and give help if needed)

• I appreciate your honesty. Let me know if you need help fixing it.

• I don’t care.

• You always make mistakes.

• That’s unacceptable. You’re fired.

Employee: Hey, Mike, can we switch shifts this Friday? I have an emergency.

Coworker: (refuse politely)

• No, I don’t feel like it.

• That’s not my problem.

• Why should I help you?

• I'm afraid that I can't. I have an important appointment on that day too.