How to professionally say 'no' to your colleagues, set boundaries at work – and even throw shade

Laura Whaley has amassed millions of TikTok followers by helping them to say things like "I'm not paid enough to do this" in a more diplomatic way.

• Laura Whaley offers tips on how to communicate more effectively with colleagues. 
• She posts TikTok videos on how to "professionally" say things like "I'm not paid enough to do this."
• Insider has compiled a list of our favorite phrases from her videos and added some of our own. 

Social media is great for memes and silly videos, but it's also where some people are learning how to vent their workplace frustrations in more professional ways. 

Laura Whaley has amassed more than 3 million TikTok followers, and 2 million on Instagram, with her videos that show people how to professionally say things like "I'm not paid enough to do this" and "this isn't in my job description." 

Her videos show her on a laptop talking virtually to her "work besties", asking them the best way to turn catty comments into more diplomatic expressions.

"I wanted to create an entertaining and relatable way to rethink how to phrase things within a working environment," Whaley told Insider.

She said it can be helpful to people who want help with how to "communicate their frustrations at work" and give them the vocabulary for discussing topics like pay rises and setting boundaries.

"I've always had an interest in communication and how to word things in an effective and appropriate manner, especially within a more formal setting," Whaley said.

If a coworker says something you feel is disrespectful, instead of telling them where to go, Whaley's suggested response is: "I'm not open to your feedback at this time. Should that change I will let you know." However, she advises against saying something like this to a manager. 

Insider has rounded up some of our favorite handy phrases from Whaley's videos, along with some of our own. 

How to professionally say:

"Stop trying to make me do your work"

I'm not able to offer you additional support in completing your workload as I'm at capacity with my own responsibilities. 

"I'm not paid enough to do this"

This falls outside of my current job description, but if the opportunity for a expanded role becomes available I'd be happy to discuss adjusting my contract to better align with these new responsibilities. 

"I told you so and now this is your problem"

I did previously note that this was a likely outcome. How do you plan to resolve this?

"My deadline is almost here – hurry up!"  

As our deadline is quickly approaching, can you provide an update on the expected completion of this task?

"I totally forgot about your email"

Thank you for your patience.

"I'm going to need a lot more detail" 

Please let me know when further details become available as I require more information to complete this task.

"Stop trying to call me before my work day even starts"

If you need to contact me, please note that my working hours begin at 9am and communications received prior to this will not be seen. 

"You're not paying me enough"

My current level of compensation is not a fair representation of my value and level of input at the company. 

"This is your job"

This falls within your remit. Please can you attend to any actionable tasks that arise in this area.

"I don't want to do that"

I believe it would be a better use of company time to focus on other outstanding tasks. 

"Stay in your lane"

Thanks for your suggestions. I don't need assistance with this task, but I'll request your feedback in future if I feel it's required. 

"No"

My schedule won't allow me to complete this task due to conflicting priorities.

"You're wrong"

Your view may not be accurate, for these reasons... 

"As per my last email"

Please note I addressed this in our previous correspondence. 

"Stop chasing me"

Thanks for checking in. I'm underway and will endeavor to complete it within the agreed timeframe.