Good employees show up on time, do their work, and don’t create drama.
However, bad ones have a litany of excuses for not doing what they’re supposed to do and being total nightmares in the workplace. Here are some of the most common rubbish “explanations” for being unreliable and unpleasant that bosses are sick of dealing with (and so are their colleagues).
1. “I didn’t have time.”
Everyone is busy, but when an employee says they “didn’t have time,” it can come across as an excuse for poor time management. Bosses expect their team to prioritise tasks effectively and communicate if they’re overloaded. Saying “I didn’t have time” often implies they didn’t manage their schedule well or didn’t ask for help when they needed it. Planning and prioritising go a long way in keeping projects on track.
2. “No one told me to do it.”
This excuse suggests an employee might not be taking ownership of their role. In many workplaces, bosses expect team members to be proactive and take initiative without needing explicit instructions every time. Saying “no one told me” can make it seem like they’re just going through the motions. Taking responsibility for one’s work and figuring out next steps is part of growing in any role.
3. “I wasn’t trained on this.”
While proper training is important, this excuse can feel like a cop-out, especially if the task is related to their regular duties. Bosses prefer when employees show a willingness to learn and adapt, even if it means asking questions or doing some quick research. Claiming lack of training can come off as avoiding responsibility. Being resourceful goes a long way in any job.
4. “I didn’t think it was a priority.”
Bosses expect employees to ask if they’re unsure about priorities, not to make assumptions. Saying “I didn’t think it was a priority” can make it seem like they weren’t fully tuned into the team’s goals. Clear communication around priorities helps avoid these misunderstandings. Checking in when unsure shows a commitment to the team’s goals.
5. “I thought someone else was handling it.”
Assuming someone else is taking care of a task can lead to important things falling through the cracks. This excuse suggests a lack of communication and accountability. Bosses prefer when team members clarify responsibilities upfront rather than making assumptions. Proactively coordinating with other people ensures no task gets left behind.
6. “I forgot.”
Forgetting happens, but when it’s a frequent excuse, it comes across as careless. Bosses expect employees to use tools—like reminders, to-do lists, or calendars—to keep track of their responsibilities. Consistently saying “I forgot” signals a need for better organisation. Building habits to stay organised shows commitment to reliability.
7. “I didn’t know that was the deadline.”
Meeting deadlines is a core part of most jobs, and saying you “didn’t know” often comes off as avoidable. Bosses expect team members to ask about due dates if they’re unclear. Being aware of deadlines and tracking them shows respect for the team’s timelines. Checking and confirming deadlines helps everyone stay on the same page.
8. “I was waiting for feedback.”
While feedback is important, this excuse can make it seem like the employee is stalling instead of progressing. Bosses prefer when employees move forward with what they can control while waiting, rather than putting everything on hold. Taking initiative keeps things moving smoothly, even when feedback is delayed. Staying proactive shows a commitment to steady progress.
9. “It’s not in my job description.”
While everyone has specific duties, teamwork often involves going beyond formal roles. Saying “it’s not in my job description” can come across as unwillingness to pitch in where needed. Bosses value flexibility and adaptability, especially in a collaborative environment. Showing a willingness to help out builds a stronger, more supportive team.
10. “I didn’t understand it.”
Not understanding is normal, but staying quiet about it isn’t helpful. Bosses expect employees to ask questions or get clarification when they’re unsure. Saying “I didn’t understand” after the fact suggests missed opportunities to communicate. Asking questions early on often prevents misunderstandings down the road.
11. “I thought you already knew about this.”
Assuming that someone, especially a boss, “already knew” about an issue or change can lead to communication breakdowns. Bosses appreciate being kept in the loop on critical updates, even if it seems like they’d already know. Proactive communication avoids unnecessary surprises. Sharing updates shows transparency and accountability.
12. “I was multitasking.”
Multitasking sounds productive, but it can lead to errors or delays if it’s not managed well. Using this excuse can come across as justifying mistakes instead of focusing on quality. Bosses appreciate employees who prioritise tasks effectively rather than splitting focus. Quality work often requires full attention to one thing at a time.
13. “That’s just how I’ve always done it.”
Sticking to familiar methods without openness to change can signal resistance to growth. Bosses prefer employees who are willing to adapt and improve processes when necessary. Saying “that’s how I’ve always done it” can make someone seem rigid and inflexible. Embracing change and growth shows a forward-thinking mindset.
14. “I didn’t have the resources.”
Source: Unsplash While resources are essential, this excuse can seem like avoiding effort to find a solution. Bosses value employees who make the most of what’s available or find creative ways to get things done. If resources are truly lacking, communicating needs early on shows initiative. Finding solutions shows resilience and problem-solving skills.
15. “I had too many other things on my plate.”
Source: Unsplash While workloads can be heavy, constantly saying there’s “too much” to do can come across as poor time management. Bosses appreciate when employees communicate if they need help prioritising or delegating tasks. Taking control of time and workload shows a proactive approach to managing responsibilities.
16. “I thought it wasn’t a big deal.”
Downplaying an issue can signal a lack of awareness or accountability. Bosses expect employees to bring up issues they’re unsure about rather than brushing them off. Clear communication prevents small issues from becoming big problems. When in doubt, clarifying the importance with a boss can save everyone hassle later.
