How to Request Additional Work from a Supervisor

Asking your supervisor for more work can be a daunting task, but if approached with the right mindset and strategies, it can greatly enhance your productivity and career growth. The key is to demonstrate your commitment and value to the company by going above and beyond your current duties.

Strategies for Requesting More Work

The most effective way to request additional work is to position yourself as a valuable, indispensable team member. If you consistently deliver results beyond your job description, you will naturally become a go-to person for more tasks. This is especially true in roles where differentiation between effort, skill, and productivity is clear. For instance, if 8 hours of your work is equivalent to 10 or 12 hours of other people’s work, your managers will want you to stay longer and take on more responsibilities.

Let’s consider a practical example. Imagine you are an office administrator tasked with organizing 20,000 files. You have two employees: Amy, who takes 5 hours to organize 500 files, and Gypsy, who takes 3 hours to do the same amount. If you are authorized to offer 100 hours of overtime for this project, who should you allocate those extra hours to?

In this scenario, you might approach your boss with the following message:

“Hey Boss, I finished that project earlier than expected. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

It’s important to have 'background projects' that you can work on when you have extra time. This not only shows your dedication but also helps in maintaining a balanced workload.

Performing Your Duties Thoroughly

When performing your current responsibilities, ensure that you do them well and thoroughly. Keep careful records of what you do each day, and be considerate and detailed. If you notice a better way to do things, consider developing a more efficient system. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your value through consistent high-quality work.

Do not hesitate to ask your supervisor about additional tasks you can take on. This shows your willingness to grow and contribute more to the company. However, always be prepared to explain why you are seeking more work. Be honest about your motivations—whether it’s for more money, more responsibility, or genuine interest in expanding your skillset. Emphasize your GENUINE eagerness to take on more challenges and expand your role.

Research and Prepare Before Asking

Before reaching out to your boss, research the types of tasks that are needed. Have a clear idea of what you would like to work on and how your additional work will add value to the company. When you approach your boss, be prepared to discuss these ideas and explain how your extra work will contribute to the company’s goals and success.

By taking these steps, you should be able to have a productive conversation with your boss about getting more work. Remember, your main goal is to demonstrate your readiness and willingness to embrace new challenges and take on more responsibilities. Good luck!