Polite Ways to Delay Assistance

Let’s face it…the amount of things being juggled in the air by healthcare employees is constantly growing. Biomedical technicians especially are constantly being pulled in different directions.

We’ve put together some good reminders below on how to delay assistance.

Time is a valuable resource. As professionals, we strive to be helpful and supportive to our colleagues and clients. However, there are instances when our busy schedules prevent us from immediately providing the assistance someone requires. When it happens, it’s important to communicate our limitations while maintaining a polite and respectful tone. Here are some effective strategies to politely let a person know that you don’t have time to help them now, but assure them of your commitment to assist as soon as possible.

1. Acknowledge the request promptly:

When someone approaches you for help, it is crucial to respond promptly, even if you cannot provide immediate assistance. Ignoring or delaying your response may give the impression of indifference or lack of interest. Let them know that you are aware of their needs and are committed to helping them.

Example response: “Thank you for reaching out to me. I would like to assist you with this request, although I am currently tied up with pressing commitments. Rest assured that I will prioritize your request and get it taken care of as soon as possible.”

2. Express empathy and understanding:

When conveying that you are unable to help immediately, it’s important to express empathy and understanding towards the person’s situation or urgency. By showing that you genuinely recognize their needs, you can help alleviate any potential frustration or disappointment they might feel. This empathetic approach demonstrates your commitment to their satisfaction and builds trust.

Example response: “I understand that this is urgent, and I apologize for not being able to address it immediately. Please know that I will do my best to assist you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.”

3. Provide a realistic timeline:

To reassure the person seeking assistance, it is essential to provide a realistic timeline for when you will be able to help them. Be transparent about your current workload and commitments, and try to offer an estimated timeframe within which you can allocate time to address their needs. Providing a specific timeline demonstrates your professionalism and helps manage their expectations effectively.

Example response: “I have a few ongoing projects that require my immediate attention, which means I won’t be able to assist you right away. However, I anticipate within the next [timeframe] getting this taken care of. This will allow me to provide you with the undivided attention you deserve. I will keep you updated on my progress.”

4. Offer alternative solutions or resources:

While you may not have the immediate availability to assist, consider offering alternative solutions or resources that the person can explore in the interim. This demonstrates your commitment to their success and helps them move forward, even if you cannot directly contribute at the moment. Sharing relevant information or suggesting other colleagues or departments that may be able to assist can be highly appreciated.

Example response: “While I am unable to help you immediately, I recommend [alternative solution or resource]. If you would like, I can also connect you with [colleague/department] who may be available to support you.”

OR…you could always make up some funny excuses!