Lesson & Activities - Workplace Communication: Making Different Types Of Requests At Work
- Learn English with NETOL
- Jan 21
- 21 min read
Updated: Jan 22
✦ This lesson includes these sections:
☞ PART 1 - What Is A Request?
☞ PART 2 - Modal Verbs - Can, Could, Will & Would
☞ PART 3 - Formal & Informal Language
☞ PART 4 - Situations When We Make Requests
☞ PART 5 - Types Of Work Requests
☞ ACTIVITY 1 - Work Requests Dialogues Matching Activity
☞ PART 6 - Heng's Situation
☞ ACTIVITY 2 - Which Option Did Heng Choose?
☞ POLL - Which Option Should Heng Choose?
☞ PART 7 - Heng's Work Request Dialogues
☞ DIALOGUE 1 - Heng's Conversation With Her Coworker
☞ DIALOGUE 2 - Heng's Conversation With Her Supervisor
☞ DIALOGUE 3 - Heng's Conversation With Her Friend
☞ PART 8 - Results Of Making A Work Request
☞ QUIZ - Test Your Knowledge
✦ Click on each section from above to see it ↑
✦ Click on each title box from below to get back here ↓
Workplace Communication:
Making Different Types Of Requests At Work
Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See some possible answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. What does the word 'request' mean?
A request means asking for something politely.
2. Can a request be written or spoken?
Yes, a request can be written or spoken.
3. How do you make a polite request in English?
You make a polite request by using polite words like please and speaking kindly.
4. Why is being polite important when making a request?
Being polite is important because people are more willing to help you.
5. What is an example of a polite request?
An example of a polite request is this: “Could you please help me?”
6. When should you use polite requests?
You should use polite requests at work, at school, or when asking for help.
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Learn the definitions of each word.
Important Words - Workplace Communication:
Making Different Types Of Requests At Work
request
polite
formal
informal
appointment
permission
reschedule
shift
schedule
coworker
supervisor
approve
explain
agree
Reading Activity - Workplace Communication:
Making Different Types Of Requests At Work
Instructions:
Read the following text.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
Making Requests At Work
What Is a Request?
A request means to ask for something politely or formally. When you make a request, you are asking someone to do something for you or give you something. Requests can be simple, like asking for a glass of water, or more serious, like asking for time off from work. The way you make a request depends on who you are speaking to and the situation.
Making Requests Using the Modal Verbs:
Can - Could - Will - Would
Modal verbs are small helping verbs. We use them before another verb. They tell about ability, permission, advice, obligation, possibility, or polite requests.
Modal verbs help us make requests in English. We will focus on four important modal verbs that can help us make Informal and formal requests. The four modal verbs that we will focus on are: can, will, could & would.
Can
Meaning:
Can is used for Informal requests.
Can shows ability or possibility.
Examples:
Can you help me with this? (Informal request)
I can speak French. (ability)
Could
Meaning:
Could is also used for polite or formal requests.
Could shows ability in the past form because could is the past form of can.
Examples:
Could you please send me the report? (formal request)
When I was younger, I could run fast. (past ability)
Will
Meaning:
Will is often used when making Informal requests.
Will shows future intention or willingness to do something.
Examples:
Will you help me with this? (Informal request)
I will call you tomorrow. (future intention)
Would
Meaning:
Would is also used for polite or formal requests.
Would is used for hypothetical situations.
Examples:
Would you be able to assist me? (formal request)
I would travel more if I had time. (hypothetical)
What Is The Difference Between
Informal & Formal Language?
We use informal language in situations that are more relaxed or that involve people we know well. We use formal language in situations that are serious or that involve people we do not know very well.
For example:
Informal language is for friends and family. Use short sentences, simple words, and contractions when you use Informal language.
Formal language is for work, school, or official letters. It uses polite words and full sentences. Do not use slang or contractions when you use formal language.
Informal Modal Verbs - Can & Will
In Informal language, we often use can and will because they sound friendly and direct. Using can and will is more casual, and it is appropriate for Informal language.
For example:
“Can you send me the file?”
“Will you help me with this?”
Formal Modal Verbs - Could & Would
In formal language, we use could and would because they sound more polite and professional. Using could and would shows respect and is appropriate for formal language
For example:
“Could you please provide the report?”
“Would you be able to assist me with this matter?”
Situations When We Need To Make Requests
Here are ten situations when you might make a request, with examples:
Asking someone to drive you to an appointment
Explanation: This request is when you need help getting to a place, like a doctor’s office, because you do not have a car or cannot drive. You ask someone politely to take you there.
Example: “Could you please drive me to my doctor’s appointment tomorrow?”
Borrowing money from someone
Explanation: This is when you need some money for a short time, and you promise to give it back later. You ask politely and say when you will return it.
Example: “Can I borrow $20 until Friday?”
Requesting a day off from school or work
Explanation: This means you want to stay home and not go to school or work for one day. You ask for permission and explain which day you want off.
Example: “I would like to take next Monday off. Is that okay?”
Changing a doctor’s appointment
Explanation: This is when you cannot go to your appointment at the original time. You ask someone to help you make a new time that works better for you.
Example: “Could you help me reschedule my appointment for next week?”
Asking for help from a sales associate at a store
Explanation: This request is when you need help finding something in a shop. You ask the worker politely to show you where it is or to give you the right size.
Example: “Excuse me, could you help me find size medium?”
Asking a friend to lend you a book
Explanation: This is when you want to borrow a book from a friend for a short time. You promise to give it back later.
Example: “Can I borrow your history book for the weekend?”
Requesting someone to check your homework
Explanation: This means you want someone to look at your homework and tell you if it is correct. You ask politely for their help.
Example: “Could you look over my math homework?”
Asking a neighbour to water your plants
Explanation: This is when you will be away from home and need someone to take care of your plants. You ask your neighbour politely to give them water.
Example: “Would you mind watering my plants while I’m away?”
Requesting a teacher to explain a lesson again
Explanation: This request is when you did not understand part of the lesson. You ask the teacher to explain it one more time so you can learn better.
Example: “Could you explain that part one more time?”
Asking a coworker to cover your shift
Explanation: This means you cannot work at your usual time and need someone to work for you. You ask your coworker politely to take your shift.
Example: “Can you work my shift on Friday?”
Types Of Work Requests That Employees Make
*Before reading about the different types of work requests that employees make, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
What Is A Work Request?
A work request is a formal way of asking for something that relates to your job. A work request usually involves a supervisor or manager. It can also involve a coworker, depending on the situation. The request usually relates to your work schedule or work tasks.
Request A Day Off
Explanation: This request is made when an employee needs time away from work for personal reasons, such as family events or appointments.
Example: “Could I take next Monday off? I have a personal appointment.”
Request Sick Leave
Explanation: Employees make this request when they are ill and cannot work. Employers often ask for a doctor’s note for verification.
Example: “I am not feeling well today. Could I take sick leave?”
Request A Leave For Maternity
Explanation: This request is made when an employee is expecting a child and needs time off before and after the birth.
Example: “I would like to discuss my maternity leave dates. Could we arrange a meeting?”
Request A Shift Change
Explanation: Employees request a shift change when they need to work at a different time for personal or family reasons.
Example: “Could I switch my shift to afternoons so I could take my daughter to school in the mornings?”
Request For A Coworker To Drive You Home
Explanation: This is an informal request made to a colleague for transportation assistance.
Example: “My car broke down. Could you please give me a ride home after work today?”
Request To Resolve A Conflict
Explanation: Employees make this request to address misunderstandings or disputes with coworkers in a professional manner.
Example: “I think we need to talk about the problem between the part-time manager and me. Could we meet to talk about this situation and to find a solution?”
Request Work Training
Explanation: Employees request training to improve their skills or learn new tools for their job.
Example: “I would like to join the work training program to improve my skills. Is that possible?”
Request A Raise
Explanation: This request is made when an employee feels they deserve a salary increase based on performance.
Example: “I have been working hard and meeting my goals. Could we discuss a salary increase?”
Request To Move To A New Location
Explanation: This request is made when an employee needs to transfer to another office location, often for family reasons.
Example: “I would like to transfer to the Burlington store. Is there an opportunity to do so?”
Request Flexible Work Hours
Explanation: Employees request flexible work hours to balance work and personal responsibilities, such as childcare.
Example: “Could I start my shift two hours earlier and finish work earlier tomorrow so I can go to a dentist appointment?"
Request To Work Overtime
Explanation: Employees make this request when they are willing to work extra hours to help the team or earn more income.
Example: “Could I work extra hours this weekend if needed?”
Request Work Equipment
Explanation: Employees request new equipment when their current tools are outdated or not functioning properly.
Example: “I need a new headset for my work. Could you arrange one for me?”
Request Vacation Time
Explanation: Employees request vacation time to take a break from work for personal or family reasons.
Example: “Could I request a week off next month for a trip to Quebec?”
Request a Reference Letter
Explanation: Employees request a reference letter when applying for another job or educational program.
Example: “I’m thinking of getting another part-time job. Could you write a reference letter for me?"
Listening, Reading & Writing Activity
Work Requests Dialogues Matching Exercise
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper and make a list from 1 to 14, which represents the 14 dialogues from below.
Read and listen to each one of the 14 dialogues.
Use the Different Types Of Work Requests chart to decide which type of work request each dialogue describes.
After reading each dialogue, practice your writing by writing the type of work request next to the list of 1-14 numbers that you wrote in your notebook.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows that are next to each of the 14 dialogues.
Work Request Dialogues Matching Activity
Dialogue A
Which type of request does dialogue A describe?
Employee: "Could I come into work earlier? I am available to work extra hours this week if you need me."
Manager: "That’s great! Can you come to work two hours earlier tomorrow and on Thursday?"
Employee: "Yes. I can do that."
Manager: "Perfect, I’ll add your extra hours to the schedule."
Employee: "Great. Thank you!"
Answer: Request to work overtime
Dialogue B
Which type of request does dialogue B describe?
Employee: "Could I switch my shift to evenings?"
Manager: "Is this a permanent shift change request?"
Employee: "Yes, evenings work better for me."
Manager: "I will check the schedule to see if I can make this shirt change request and let you know."
Employee: "That would be great. Thank you!"
Answer: Request a shift change
Dialogue C
Which type of request does dialogue C describe?
Employee: "Would it be possible for me to transfer to the Milton store?"
Manager: "Why do you want to move to the Milton store?"
Employee: "My family just bought a house there. We're moving next month."
Manager: "Okay. I’ll check if there’s an opening at that location and let you know."
Employee: "That would be great. I really appreciate you doing this. Thank you!"
Answer: Request to move to a new location
Dialogue D
Which type of request does dialogue D describe?
Employee: "Could we schedule a meeting to discuss a conflict that I have with a coworker?"
Manager: "Yes, of course. What seems to be the problem?"
Employee: "There’s a misunderstanding between Robert Wade and me. We got into an argument during our shift. I would like to speak with you about what exactly happened."
Manager: "Okay. Let’s meet to discuss this matter further tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock."
Employee: "Thank you! I look forward to speaking with you about this conflict tomorrow morning."
Answer: Request to resolve a conflict
Dialogue E
Which type of request does dialogue E describe?
Employee: "Could I discuss a salary increase with you?"
Manager: "Sure. What makes you feel ready for a raise?"
Employee: "I’ve met all my targets this year, and I attended all of the training sessions that were offered."
Manager: "Okay, let me review your salary increase request. Let's meet to discuss this further on Monday morning at 9:00 AM."
Employee: "Thank you for considering my request. See you on Monday morning at 9:00."
Answer: Request a raise
Dialogue F
Which type of request does dialogue F describe?
Employee: "Could I receive a new laptop for work?"
Manager: "What’s wrong with your current one?"
Employee: "The laptop has been very slow, and it shuts down often."
Manager: "Sure, that shouldn't be a problem. I’ll order a replacement."
Employee: "Thank you."
Answer: Request work equipment
Dialogue G
Which type of request does dialogue G describe?
Employee: "Could I request next Friday off?"
Manager: "I think that's doable. What's the reason for the day off?"
Employee: "I have an important family event to attend."
Manager: "Okay, I’ll approve it."
Employee: "Thank you very much."
Answer: Request a day off
Dialogue H
Which type of request does dialogue H describe?
Employee: "I'm not feeling well because of a procedure that I had. Could I take five sick days to recover?"
Manager: "I’m sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. Yes, you can take time off, but you would need a doctor’s note for this sick leave."
Employee: "That's not a problem. I will call my doctor now and get it for you as soon as possible."
Manager: "Thank you so much! Take care and get well soon.
Employee: "Thank you. I appreciate it."
Answer: Request sick leave
Dialogue I
Which type of request does dialogue I describe?
Employee: "Would you mind giving me a ride home after our shift is done?"
Coworker: "Sure, where do you live?"
Employee: "I live by Sunnyside School, which is about 10 minutes away from here."
Coworker: "Oh yes, I know exactly where that is. That's not a problem, I’ll drop you off after work."
Employee: "Thank you so very much. I truly appreciate it."
Answer: Request for a coworker to drive you home
Dialogue J
Which type of request does dialogue J describe?
Employee: "Could you write a reference letter for me?"
Manager: "Yes, of course! What is the reference letter for?"
Employee: "I got accepted to the University of London. I will be moving away in six months, and I would like to have a reference letter for when I apply for a job in London."
Manager: "Oh wow, Congratulations! I’ll have a reference letter ready for you by the end of the day on Thursday."
Employee: "Thank you very much. I appreciate it."
Answer: Request a reference letter
Dialogue K
Which type of request does dialogue K describe?
Employee: "Could I attend one of the training sessions that is scheduled for next Thursday?"
Manager: "Which session are you interested in?"
Employee: "The new software training session."
Manager: "Sure. I’ll register you for it."
Employee: "Excellent. Thank you!"
Answer: Request work training
Dialogue L
Which type of request does dialogue L describe?
Employee: "Would it be possible for me to take two weeks off for my brother's wedding? He lives overseas."
Manager: "That shouldn't be a problem. When are you planning to go?
Employee: Next month, on July 16th."
Manager: "I think it should be alright. I will check the work schedule and confirm by the end of the day today."
Employee: "That's great. Thank you!"
Answer: Request vacation time
Dialogue M
Which type of request does dialogue M describe?
Employee: “Could I start work two hours earlier and finish two hours earlier on Mondays and Wednesdays for the next two months? I would like to coach my daughter's volleyball team.”
Manager: "Let me check the schedule, but I don't see it being a problem."
Employee: "That's great."
Manager: "I will confirm with you whether we can change your hours on Mondays and Wednesdays for the next two months by the end of the day today."
Employee: "Thank you so much."
Answer: Request flexible work hours
Dialogue N
Which type of request does dialogue N describe?
Employee: "I would like to apply for maternity leave."
Manager: "Congratulations! When will your maternity leave start?"
Employee: "In about three months."
Manager: "Wow, that's wonderful! I will email you the maternity leave forms this week."
Employee: "Great. Thank you very much!"
Answer: Request a leave for maternity
Heng's Situation
Explanation Of Heng's Situation
Heng has a son named Eric. Eric has a specialist appointment on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. Heng is scheduled to work on Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This creates a conflict because Heng cannot be at work and take Eric to the appointment at the same time. Heng needs to find a solution that allows her to meet both responsibilities.
There are 10 different work schedule adjustment options that Heng could choose from. Read each one and decide which option Heng should choose.
Work Schedule Adjustment Options
Option #1
Request to get the day off work
Explanation:
Heng could formally ask her supervisor for a personal day off.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: Good morning, I would like to ask for a day off.
Supervisor: Okay, Heng. May I ask why?
Heng: I need to take my son to a specialist appointment.
Supervisor: I understand. I will check the schedule.
Option #2
Request a shift change on another day instead
Explanation:
Heng could ask if she can work extra hours or a different shift on another day to make up for the day that she will be absent.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: I cannot work on Thursday because of my son’s appointment.
Supervisor: I see. What would you like to do?
Heng: Could I change my shift and work on another day instead?
Supervisor: That may be possible. Let me check.
Option #3
Cancel the appointment with the specialist
Explanation:
Heng could cancel the appointment if it’s not urgent and reschedule for another time.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: Hello, I am calling about my son’s appointment.
Receptionist: Yes, how can I help you?
Heng: I need to cancel the appointment because I have to work that day.
Receptionist: Okay, I will cancel it for you.
Option #4
Reschedule the appointment to a day or time she is not working
Explanation:
Heng could call the specialist’s office and book a time outside her work hours.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: Hello, I would like to change my son’s appointment.
Receptionist: Sure. What day works for you?
Heng: Is there a time on Friday afternoon?
Receptionist: Yes, we have one at 3:00 p.m.
Option #5
Ask a family member or a close friend to take her son to the appointment
Explanation:
Heng could arrange for someone she trusts to accompany Eric.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: Hi, can I ask you for a favour?
Sister: Of course. What do you need?
Heng: I have to work. Can you take Eric to his appointment?
Sister: Yes, of course I can.
Option #6
Request to work from home for part of the day If her job allows remote work,
Explanation:
Heng could work from home after the appointment.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: May I work from home for a few hours?
Supervisor: I think that is doable. Why are you requesting to work from home?
Heng: I have a specialist appointment for my son in the morning.
Supervisor: I see. I am okay with that as long as you can complete your work from home.
Option #7
Request to start work later and finish later
Explanation:
Heng could ask her supervisor if she can begin her shift after the appointment and stay later to complete her hours.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: Good morning, I have an appointment in the morning.
Supervisor: What would you like to do?
Heng: May I start work later and finish later that day?
Supervisor: Yes, that should be fine.
Option #8
Use vacation time or personal leave day to take the day off
Explanation:
Heng could use her vacation days or personal leave to cover the time off.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: I would like to use a personal day.
Supervisor: When do you want to take your personal day?
Heng: This Thursday, because of my son’s appointment.
Supervisor: Okay, I’ll approve it.
Option #9
Request to split her shift
Explanation:
Heng could work part of her shift before the appointment and return afterwards to finish the remaining hours.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: May I ask you a question about my shift on Thursday morning?
Supervisor: Sure. What is it?
Heng: Could I start work in the morning, leave for a couple of hours for an appointment, and then come back to work later?
Supervisor: I’ll check if that works and let you know.
Option #10
Ask a coworker to switch shifts with her
Explanation:
Heng could request to swap her Thursday morning shift with a coworker who works later in the day.
Dialogue Example:
Heng: Hi, can I talk to you?
Coworker: Sure, what’s going on?
Heng: I have an important appointment for my son. Can we switch shifts on Thursday?
Coworker: Yes, we can. That's not a problem.
Reading & Writing Activity
Which Work Schedule Option Did Heng Choose?
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper and make a list from 1 to 10, which represents the 10 options for the work situation from below.
Read each one of the 10 situations.
Decide which situation matches each option.
After reading each situation, practice your writing by writing the coption next to the list of 1-10 numbers that you wrote in your notebook.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows that are next to each situation.
Which Option Did Heng Choose?
Situation A
Which work schedule option does situation A describe?
Situation A: Heng calls the clinic and asks to move her son’s appointment to Friday afternoon. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Reschedule the appointment to a different day or time
Situation B
Which work schedule option does situation B describe?
Situation B: Heng asks her supervisor if she can take Thursday off to take care of her son. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Request to get the day off work
Situation C
Which work schedule option does situation C describe?
Situation C: Heng asks her sister to take her son to the appointment while she is at work. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Ask a family member or a close friend to take her son to the appointment
Situation D
Which work schedule option does situation D describe?
Situation D: Heng asks her coworker if he can work her morning shift, and she will work his afternoon shift. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Ask a coworker to switch shifts with her
Situation E
Which work schedule option does situation E describe?
Situation E: Heng asks her supervisor if she can work extra hours on another day instead of Thursday. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Request a shift change on another day instead
Situation F
Which work schedule option does situation F describe?
Situation F: Heng asks her supervisor if she can work from home in the morning and come to work later. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Request to work from home for part of the day. If her job allows remote work
Situation G
Which work schedule option does situation G describe?
Situation G: Heng asks if she can work in the morning, leave for the appointment, and return later. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Request to split her shift
Situation H
Which work schedule option does situation H describe?
Situation H: Heng tells the clinic she cannot attend the appointment and wants to cancel it. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Cancel the appointment with the specialist
Situation I
Which work schedule option does situation I describe?
Situation I: Heng asks her supervisor if she can begin work later and finish later that day. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Request to start work later and finish later
Situation J
Which work schedule option does situation J describe?
Situation J: Heng uses her personal leave or vacation day to stay home with her son. Which option does this describe?
Answer: Use vacation time or personal leave day to take the day off
Take Our Poll - Which Option Do You Think Heng Should Choose?
As a remnder, Heng's son has a specialist appointment on Thursday morning at 9:30. Heng is scheduled to work on Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
There are 10 different work schedule adjustment options that Heng could choose from. Take our poll and let us know which option should Heng choose.
Which option do you think Heng should choose?
Request to get the day off work
Request a shift change on another day instead
Cancel the appointment with the specialist
Reschedule the appointment to another day or time
Heng's Work Request
*Before reading about Heng's work request, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
Situation: Heng needs time off in the morning to take her son to a specialist appointment, but she is scheduled to work. In the dialogues below, you will see how Heng politely asks her coworker for help and then informs her supervisor about the change. Pay attention to how clear and respectful communication can help solve work problems.
Situational Dialogues
You will be reading & listening to three separate dialogues:
In the following three dialogues, you will read and listen to a workplace situation where an employee named Heng needs to switch her work shift.
Dialogue #1: A Conversation Between Heng & Her Coworker Mark
Dialogue #2: A Conversation Between Heng & Her Supervisor Leslie
Dialogue #3: A Conversation Between Heng & Her Friend Laurie
Conversation Between Heng And Her Coworker Mark
Heng: “Hi Mark, could I have a moment of your time?”
Mark: “Hi Heng. Sure, what is it?”
Heng: “Are you scheduled to work the 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. afternoon shift on Thursday?”
Mark: “Yes, I am. How about you?”
Heng: “I’m scheduled to work the morning shift that day. I’m looking for someone to switch shifts with me.”
Mark: “How come?”
Heng: “I have to take my son, Eric, to a specialist appointment on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. I’m scheduled to work from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that day.”
Mark: “So, you’re scheduled to work during your son’s appointment.”
Heng: “Yes, I am. That’s why I’m hoping to work the afternoon shift instead of the morning shift. Could you switch shifts with me?”
Mark: “You’d like to switch shifts on Thursday? Let me think… Yes, I can take your morning shift, and you can work my afternoon shift.”
Heng: “Thank you so much, Mark! I really appreciate it.”
Mark: “No problem. Just please make sure to let our supervisor, Leslie, know about the shift change.”
Heng: “I will. I’ll call her now. Thanks again, Mark!”
Mark: “You’re welcome.”
Conversation Between Heng And Her Manager, Leslie
Leslie: "Hello?"
Heng: "Good afternoon, Leslie. This is Heng. How are you today?"
Leslie: "Hello, Heng! I’m doing well, thank you. How about you?"
Heng: "I’m doing good, thank you! I wanted to let you know about a shift change for this Thursday. I need to take my son to an important specialist appointment that morning, and I’m currently scheduled to work the morning shift. I asked Mark to switch shifts with me so I could take my son to his appointment."
Leslie: "Alright. Did Mark agree to switch shifts with you?"
Heng: "Yes, he did. Mark agreed to take my 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. morning shift, and I will work his 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. afternoon shift."
Leslie: "Excellent. Thank you for letting me know about this schedule change. I will update the schedule right away."
Heng: "Great, thank you very much!"
Leslie: "You're welcome."
Heng: "Goodbye for now!"
Leslie: "Bye."
Conversation Between Heng And Her friend, Margaret
Heng: Hi Margaret.
Margaret: Hi Heng! I heard you had some trouble at work today.
Heng: Yes, I did. I had a problem with my work schedule, but I resolved it.
Margaret: What happened?
Heng: I have a specialist appointment for my son on Thursday morning of this week, but I was scheduled to work on the same day, at the same time.
Margaret: Oh no. That sounds stressful. What did you do?
Heng: First, I spoke with my coworker, Mark, this afternoon. I explained my situation and requested to switch shifts with him.
Margaret: Was he understanding?
Heng: Yes, he was very kind. He agreed to switch shifts with me.
Margaret: That’s great! What did you do next?
Heng: After that, I talked to my supervisor, Leslie and told her about the shift change.
Margaret: And did she approve the shift switch?
Heng: Yes. She thanked me for telling her and updated the schedule.
Margaret: I’m glad everything worked out. You handled it very well.
Heng: Thank you. I think being polite and clear really helped.
Margaret: I agree. Good communication makes work problems easier to solve.
Result Of Making The Work Request
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As a result, Heng successfully solved her work scheduling problem by making her work request politely and clearly. She spoke with her coworker Mark first and explained why she needed to change shifts. After Mark agreed to help, Heng informed her supervisor, Leslie, so the schedule could be updated. This example shows that clear communication, respect, and cooperation can help employees handle work requests in a positive and professional way.
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Written by: Nicole WT
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