How do I say this in a nice way?

Question

Ok- I am a receptionist for a government contractor, but go WAY above and beyond. Everyday this lady in our contracts department throws her work on me, as if I don't have enough to do!

She is like, this is so important, please do it. And I am tired of her giving me work without asking me if I am already doing work.

She used to, and now just takes advantage.

Everything she gives me is so time consuming, and prevents me from doing what I am doing.

How can I say, could you ask me if Im busy next time you need help? Or something along those lines.

Answer 1

How about something like "I'd like to be able to help you out, but I'm swamped myself this week with my own work"?  And don't feel bad about it - she's the one who is out of line, not you, unless she is your immediate supervisor.  If she is, then ask "which is top priority, (the new stuff she's giving you) or (what you are working on) - don't ask that if she isn't your supervisor, since she'll just of course say that hers is.

Answer 2

"I wish I could help you, but I have too much work of my own right now. Sorry."

No one can take advantage of you without your consent.

Answer 3

Arguably, your boss is the person who should talk to her. Go to your boss and explain that the woman in contracts is starting to throw so much work at you that you're having a hard time with your primary responsibilities as a receptionist. Your boss should then take care of it.

Answer 4

this is an issue you need to take up with your boss.  speak with him professionally and politely and explain the situation and he will advise you as to how he is going to handle it or how you should.

Answer 5

Tell her to do her own work.

Answer 6

She is taking advantage because you are allowing her to.  Just say you are too busy to help her out when she dumps her work on you next time.  

Answer 7

Definitely speak to your boss. This same thing happened to me once and after a while I politely told the person that I had too much work of my own to do, and you know what she did? Went around the office bitching that I wasn't a team player! The nerve.

So I would say speak to your boss, let him/her know that she keeps pilling work on you and you you're finding it hard to keep up with your receptionist duties. Hopefully your boss will talk to her. Goodluck!