{"id":321202,"date":"2025-06-02T17:00:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T09:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/?p=321202"},"modified":"2025-06-02T17:46:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T09:46:03","slug":"how-to-say-no-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/how-to-say-no-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Entrepreneurs share how to say \u201cno\u201d at work and set healthy boundaries"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cSure, I can do that,\u201d said every overwhelmed worker ever. Sound familiar? Saying \u201cno\u201d at work can feel awkward, especially when you&#8217;re wired to say \u201cyes\u201d to every meeting or project. But boundaries are essential if you want to keep your sanity (and your <a href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/entrepreneurs-balancing-work-life\/\">work-life balance<\/a>). We spoke to entrepreneurs who are on their way to mastering the art of the polite pass &#8211; they share how setting boundaries has saved their energy and helped their businesses thrive.<\/p>\n<h2>How to say \u201cno\u201d at work<\/h2>\n<h3>Start small: Pause before you respond<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_321207\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321207\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-321207 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Sophie-Leung-900x643.png\" alt=\"how to say no at work | Sophie Leung\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Sophie-Leung-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Sophie-Leung-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Sophie-Leung.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-321207\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sophie Leung<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cBefore I learned to listen to myself, I wore the \u2018Nice Girl\u2019 mask, saying \u2018yes\u2019 even when my body screamed \u2018no\u2019. Burnout, anxiety, and resentment became my norm. It led to breakdowns in my closest relationships, and I felt overwhelmed at work, even though it looked like I had it all together. My health deteriorated.<\/p>\n<p>Now, as a somatic trauma-informed coach, I help women set boundaries that support their well-being, strengthen their relationships, and empower them to thrive on their own terms. Start small. Pause before responding. Get clear on your values. Your \u2018no\u2019 makes space for your \u2018yes\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; Sophie Leung, somatic trauma informed coach at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sophieleung.co\/\">Sophie Leung Co<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Understand your priorities<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_321209\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321209\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-321209 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Wanda-Wijaya-900x643.png\" alt=\"how to say no at work | Wanda Wijaya\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Wanda-Wijaya-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Wanda-Wijaya-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Wanda-Wijaya.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-321209\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wanda Wijaya<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cSaying \u2018no\u2019 was essential when I became a mother and realised how stretched thin I was between work, my baby, and everything else. Recently, I turned down a collaboration that didn\u2019t align with Ohana Therapy\u2019s values. It was tough, but it freed up my time for family and meaningful projects.<\/p>\n<p>My tip? Get clear on your priorities and remember that every \u2018no\u2019 is a \u2018yes\u2019 to something more important. Overcoming the fear of saying no starts with recognising that you can\u2019t pour from an empty cup. Boundaries aren\u2019t selfish; they\u2019re necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; Wanda Wijaya, director &amp; speech language therapist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohanatherapy.sg\/\">Ohana Therapy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>(Kind) honesty is the best policy<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_321203\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321203\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-321203 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-kriti-gupta-900x643.png\" alt=\"how to say no at work | kriti gupta\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-kriti-gupta-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-kriti-gupta-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-kriti-gupta.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-321203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kriti Gupta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cSaying \u2018no\u2019 is a powerful act of self-care. As a founder and mum, I used to say yes to everything &#8211; until burnout hit. I once declined a high-visibility event right after a big launch to prioritise rest and time with my family. The result? I came back refreshed, with better ideas and energy.<\/p>\n<p>My tip: be honest but kind. Remember that \u2018no\u2019 isn\u2019t rejection &#8211; it\u2019s redirection. Start small and honour your capacity. Boundaries protect your peace, and saying no often creates space for the right yes. It\u2019s not selfish &#8211; it\u2019s necessary for sustainable growth and well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; Kriti Gupta, founder and CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/nimbu.sg\/\">Nimbu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Consider if it\u2019s worth your time<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_321210\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321210\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-321210 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-andrea-lee-900x643.png\" alt=\"how to say no at work | andrea lee\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-andrea-lee-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-andrea-lee-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-andrea-lee.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-321210\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Andrea Lee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cSaying \u2018no\u2019 didn\u2019t come naturally to me, especially when I felt I had to do it all. But as an F&amp;B entrepreneur, I\u2019ve learned that time and energy are limited resources. I used to say yes to everything, only to feel stretched thin.<\/p>\n<p>Now, I pause and ask, is this worth my time right now? I once skipped a work event to focus on a key project, and the clarity it gave me was priceless. Boundaries protect your energy. Saying \u2018no\u2019 can feel uncomfortable, but it\u2019s a powerful way of saying yes to yourself and what truly matters.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; Andrea Lee, founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/thecleanaddicts.com\/\">The Clean Addicts<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Say it clearly, with kindness and respect<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_321211\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321211\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-321211 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Tatiana-Gromenko-900x643.png\" alt=\"how to say no at work | Tatiana Gromenko\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Tatiana-Gromenko-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Tatiana-Gromenko-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Tatiana-Gromenko.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-321211\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tatiana Gromenko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cThe fear of saying \u2018no\u2019 is perfectly normal. I\u2019ve experienced it too. I don\u2019t want to disappoint anyone, but at the same time, I don\u2019t want to force myself into something that feels uncomfortable or pushes my boundaries.<\/p>\n<p>When we protect and prioritise our resources, time, energy, and well-being, we\u2019re better able to help and support others in a meaningful way. Learning to say no is a powerful practice. Some people may feel upset at first, but that&#8217;s okay. What matters is that you say it with clarity, kindness, and respect.<\/p>\n<p>Setting healthy boundaries isn\u2019t selfish; it\u2019s necessary. It protects your energy, your focus, and your ability to show up fully for what truly matters. The people who truly value you will always respect you. So, don\u2019t be afraid to say no. It&#8217;s one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and others.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; Tatiana Gromenko, founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/hiring.sgbva.com\/\">SGB VA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Plan ahead for circumstances that test you<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_321206\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321206\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-321206 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Marissa-Nasution-900x643.png\" alt=\"how to say no at work | Marissa Nasution\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Marissa-Nasution-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Marissa-Nasution-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Marissa-Nasution.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-321206\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marissa Nasution<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIn many Asian cultures, saying \u2018yes\u2019 is often tied to values of social harmony, respect, and a desire to fit in. But this can come at the cost of our mental and physical well-being. As a counsellor and entrepreneur, I see how often people agree to things half-heartedly out of obligation or guilt. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve had to work on, too.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most effective things I\u2019ve learned (and now teach) is to create mental pre-plans for situations that may test your boundaries. For example, if I know I have an intense week ahead, I pre-decide to say no to social events or networking invites, no matter how appealing they may seem.<\/p>\n<p>On the flip side, if I recognise an opportunity that makes my anxious self hesitate, but my rational self knows it\u2019s aligned with my goals, then I say yes intentionally. Saying \u2018no\u2019 isn\u2019t about being dismissive &#8211; it\u2019s about being deeply respectful of your own time and energy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marissanasution.com\/\">Marissa Nasution<\/a>, research psychologist and counsellor<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Know your limits<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_321204\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321204\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-321204 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-adelphia-lim-900x643.png\" alt=\"how to say no at work | adelphia lim\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-adelphia-lim-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-adelphia-lim-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-adelphia-lim.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-321204\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adelphia Lim<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cAs a social media agency owner, mastering the art of saying \u2018no\u2019 has been crucial for protecting my time, energy, and mental health. In an industry that never sleeps, setting healthy boundaries is essential. I&#8217;ve implemented strict office hours and clear communication channels to manage client expectations effectively.<\/p>\n<p>To overcome the fear of saying \u2018no\u2019, I focus on the long-term benefits of sustainability over short-term gains. It&#8217;s about respecting your limits and understanding that saying \u2018no\u2019 isn&#8217;t a rejection &#8211; it&#8217;s a necessary affirmation of your values and priorities. This mindset shift helps maintain quality in our work and life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; Adelphia Lim, founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/fortheloveofsocials.co\/\">For The Love of Socials<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Set clear boundaries<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_321205\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321205\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-321205 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Danielle-Van-de-Velde-900x643.png\" alt=\"how to say no at work | Danielle Van de Velde\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Danielle-Van-de-Velde-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Danielle-Van-de-Velde-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how-to-say-no-at-work-Danielle-Van-de-Velde.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-321205\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Danielle Van de Velde<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cSetting boundaries is an inner and outer game. It\u2019s worth defining our values and priorities, and tuning into the feeling of dissonance that happens when boundaries are breached. Our bodies and energy systems always signal when we\u2019re out of alignment with our truth, either through allowing those breaches or through the choices we make.<\/p>\n<p>There have been times (though not often) when I said \u2018no\u2019 to community members whose behaviour was disrupting my groups. When the main community sees that they are safeguarded from divisive behaviour, solicitation or arrogance, loyalty and perceived value grow.<\/p>\n<p>Another important aspect of boundary setting is how we go about doing it. The art of establishing unyielding boundaries softly and elegantly is much more powerful and less disruptive than a hard \u2018no\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.daniellevandevelde.com\/\">Danielle Van de Velde<\/a>, founder of Spirited Living &amp; Spirited Business\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Remember: every \u2018no\u2019 makes space for a \u2018yes\u2019 that truly matters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cSure, I can do that,\u201d said every overwhelmed worker ever. Sound familiar? Saying \u201cno\u201d at work can feel awkward, especially when you&#8217;re wired to say \u201cyes\u201d to every meeting or project. But boundaries are essential if you want to keep your sanity (and your work-life balance). We spoke to entrepreneurs who are on their way [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101165,"featured_media":321208,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[145487,137317],"tags":[145685],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.7 (Yoast SEO v23.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Entrepreneurs Share: How to Say \u201cNo\u201d at Work<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We asked busy entrepreneurs in Singapore how they set boundaries and say \u201cno\u201d without the guilt - to protect their peace and energy.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/how-to-say-no-at-work\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Entrepreneurs share how to say \u201cno\u201d at work and set healthy boundaries\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u201cSure, I can do that,\u201d said every overwhelmed worker ever. Sound familiar? 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