If you need to work overtime but have a personal commitment, what is the best response?

The best response in this scenario is to contact your personal commitment and explain the situation. This approach emphasizes the importance of communication and respect for both your work responsibilities and personal life. By informing your personal commitment about the possible need for overtime, you can manage expectations and show consideration for your prior arrangements.

This response also helps maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring that you do not leave others in the dark regarding potential changes to your availability. Additionally, it allows you the opportunity to explore options that could accommodate both your work obligations and personal plans, such as adjusting the timing of your commitment or seeking assistance from others.

Choosing to stay at work without communicating may lead to misunderstandings or friction in your personal relationships, while deciding solely based on the potential for promotion does not address your immediate responsibilities. Declining the overtime immediately without considering the implications would mean you are not giving yourself or your employer the chance for flexibility and could impact your reputation in the workplace.