What to say to your colleague when someone is overwhelmed

Let’s triage this—what’s urgent, what can wait, and what can drop?

Why it works: Practical prioritization.

Let’s realign on what actually needs to get done versus what’s just noise.

Why it works: Clarifies priorities.

If today’s too heavy, we can shift deadlines and spread this out.

Why it works: Professional flexibility.

We can divide this up—no need for you to carry it all.

Why it works: Collaborative support.

Is there anything here I can take on or help move forward for you?

Why it works: Offers delegation.

If needed, we can push this to a better time so it’s not all hitting you at once.

Why it works: Supports rescheduling.

Let’s pause and reset priorities—what actually needs attention today?

Why it works: Helps reduce overwhelm at work.

Let’s set a realistic scope for today so this doesn’t keep piling up.

Why it works: Helps set boundaries.