Are you bored at work or perhaps don’t receive enough work to fill your time? Then, maybe it’s time to ask for more tasks at work.
But is it appropriate to ask for new tasks?
You’re in luck! After all, this article will explore how to ask for more tasks at work politely and professionally.
- Is there any more work available for me?
- Could I ask for some more work?
- Is there anything else you’d like me to do?
- Can I pick up any more tasks?
- Would you like me to do any more work for you?
- I would appreciate the chance to work on more projects
- Have you got anything new for me to work on?
- I would like to try some new tasks
- Is it OK if I take on some new challenges?
- Can I ask for a few new tasks?
So, keep reading to learn how to ask your boss to assign more work to you. There are plenty of great options to include, and we’ve provided email samples to help you understand them better.
1. Is There Any More Work Available for Me?
Generally, there’s nothing wrong with asking for more work. In fact, most employers like seeing the enthusiasm that comes with it. So, why not ask “Is there any more work available for me?”
It shows you how to ask for more work politely without sucking up to your boss. It’s certainly a good one to include in a business email to suggest that you have done everything you need to do and would like a new challenge.
You can also check out this email sample to see how it works:
Subject Line: Any Available Tasks?
Dear Ms. Brighton,
Is there any more work available for me? I’m keen to do some more projects, but I’ve got nothing else ready.
Best wishes,
Aimee Mack
2. Could I Ask for Some More Work?
If you want a slightly more simple question, try “could I ask for some more work?” It’s polite and clear, so you can’t go wrong with it.
We highly recommend this one when emailing a boss you respect. It’s a good way to keep your positive relationship with them without sounding like you’re pestering them too much.
Here’s a quick sample letter to also show you how to use it:
Subject Line: Can I Have More Tasks?
Dear Ms. Tate,
Could I ask for some more work? I appreciate you’re busy, but I’d love to help lighten the load if you need me.
Kind regards,
Russell Kane
3. Is There Anything Else You’d Like Me to Do?
Maybe your boss has already set you a task. Although, if they didn’t realize you’d get it done so quickly, they might not have anything lined up to give you once the task is complete.
That’s where “is there anything else you’d like me to do?” comes in. It’s a great question to ask your boss for another task politely.
It shows you’ve already completed everything they asked of you. Now, you’re looking for something new to test yourself.
This email example will help you if you’re still unsure:
Subject Line: I Would Like More Work
Dear Mr. Barrows,
Is there anything else you’d like me to do? Let me know, as I’d still like to do some more tasks this week.
Thank you so much,
Barry Winters
4. Can I Pick up Any More Tasks?
If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. So, “can I pick up any more tasks?” is a simple and polite question that shows you’d like to take on more work.
Most bosses will be very happy to answer this question. If they have more work for you to do, they’ll happily provide it.
Of course, they might not have anything extra for you to work on. That’s OK, too. It just means you’ll have to wait around before finding anything new to start working on.
Perhaps this example email will help you with it:
Subject Line: More Tasks
Dear Ms. Cress,
Can I pick up any more tasks? I have run out of things to do, and I would like to fill my work schedule with more projects.
Kind regards,
Damian Greene
5. Would You Like Me to Do Any More Work for You?
Being polite and professional is key when asking for more tasks. You can ask “would you like me to do any more work for you?” when finding out if your supervisor has more tasks that need completing.
The question shows you’re keen and eager to please. It’s a great way to set yourself up for success by asking someone for more tasks when you’ve run out of work. After all, most employers prefer having proactive employees that seek work rather than wait around for it to appear.
You can also refer to this sample email to see how it works:
Subject Line: Do You Have Anything New?
Dear Alice,
Would you like me to do any more work for you? I’m so keen to get stuck in with new projects.
All the best,
Mel Dickinson
6. I Would Appreciate the Chance to Work on More Projects
Not everything needs to be a question when asking for more tasks. Sometimes, a professional and polite statement like “I would appreciate the chance to work on more projects” will work well.
It shows you’re keen to look for more projects or tasks. Then, your boss can find the best tasks to suit your needs and keep you occupied.
Also, the following example will help you understand it:
Subject Line: More Projects
Dear Mr. Terrace,
I would appreciate the chance to work on more projects when you have some ready.
Thank you so much,
Pedro Joseph
7. Have You Got Anything New for Me to Work On?
It’s never fun waiting for new work to come by. So, you have to take the initiative. Ask your boss “have you got anything new for me to work on?” when you’re ready to start new tasks.
It’s a great question that shows you’re keen to work on something. Many bosses will appreciate this enthusiasm, and they’ll let you know if they have anything new for you to try out.
You can also refer to this sample email to see how to use it:
Subject Line: Looking for New Tasks
Dear Ryan,
Have you got anything new for me to work on? I’m afraid I’ve run out of work, after all.
Kind regards,
Charlotte Bradley
8. I Would Like to Try Some New Tasks
While most of these alternatives have been questions, there is always room for a statement in some instances. Try “I would like to try some new tasks” to sound polite and sincere. It shows you’re keen to take on new work when your boss has something to offer.
Then, they’ll keep you in mind when something new comes up. Even if they don’t have anything ready immediately, it’s a good way to remind them that you’re keen and ready to apply yourself to a new project.
Here’s a quick example if you’re still unsure:
Subject Line: Have You Got Any Tasks?
Dear Oleg,
I would like to try some new tasks. I’m still wondering if you have anything relevant that might be good for me.
Thank you in advance,
Jane Ayre
9. Is It OK if I Take on Some New Challenges?
Interns and apprentices are always given work to do, but sometimes you can run out. It’s OK to ask your boss for more work as an intern; you just need to know what questions work best.
Referring to tasks as “challenges” is a great example of how to ask for more work as an intern. It shows you’re keen and up for anything, which most employers respond positively to.
We recommend using “is it OK if I take on some new challenges?” to ask your boss to give you something new to tackle.
How about checking out the following example to see how it works:
Subject Line: I Need a New Challenge
Dear Ms. Kimberley,
Is it OK if I take on some new challenges? I’d certainly like to see what else I can do for this company.
My best,
Jessica Fell
10. Can I Ask for a Few New Tasks?
Finally, it’s worth asking “can I ask for a few new tasks?” if you’ve run out of things to do. It’s a keen question that shows you’re interested in doing a few more things while you’re at work.
Your boss will almost certainly have something ready for you. As long as you ask politely, it’s a great way to start working on something new.
Here is an example email to also show you how to use it:
Subject Line: New Tasks
Dear Mr. Martins,
Can I ask for a few new tasks, please? I’d still like to take on some new challenges.
All the best,
Sarah Jane
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.