235 Ways to Politely Tell Your Coworker to “Back Off” and Give You Space

Dealing with coworkers who invade your personal space can be challenging, especially when you don’t want to seem rude. If you’re wondering how to tell a coworker to back off without causing tension, you’re not alone. Knowing how to tell someone off in a professional way is an essential skill for maintaining a positive work environment.

Here Are 235 Ways to Tell Someone to Back Off

It’s important to set boundaries in a respectful and clear manner, ensuring your message is heard without sounding aggressive. In this post, we’ll share 235 ways to tell someone professionally to back off, giving you the tools to handle any situation with ease.

Casual Phrases for Everyday Use

1. Hey, I need to focus right now. Can we chat later?
2. I’m in the middle of something—let’s catch up afterward.
3. I just need a bit of quiet time to finish this up.
4. Can we talk later? I’m trying to wrap this up.
5. I’m swamped right now. Can we reconnect in an hour?
6. I’m deep into this task—can we continue this later?
7. I’m trying to concentrate right now. Can we chat later?
8. I’ll swing by your desk once I’ve finished this.
9. I’m really focused at the moment. Can we talk later?
10. I just need some solo time to get this done.
11. I’m in the zone right now—let’s touch base later.
12. Give me a bit of time to finish this, and we’ll catch up.
13. I’m busy for the next little while—can we reconnect later?
14. I’d love to chat, but I’ve got to focus for now.
15. I’m working on something important. Let’s catch up later.
16. Can we talk about this later? I need to concentrate right now.
17. I need to focus for a bit—let’s pick this up later.
18. I’ll follow up with you after I finish what I’m working on.
19. I need some quiet to get this done—let’s reconnect later.
20. I’m deep into this project. Can we talk when I’m finished?
21. I’m trying to power through this—let’s talk afterward.
22. I’ll need some space to focus right now, but I’ll catch up with you soon.
23. I’m a bit tied up at the moment—can we chat later?
24. I’ve got to finish this first—let’s talk once I’m done.
25. I’m in focus mode right now. Can we continue this later?
26. I’ll check back with you once I’ve wrapped up this task.
27. I’m going to focus on this for now—let’s catch up later.
28. I’ll need some quiet time to finish this up—let’s chat afterward.
29. I’ll reach out when I’m done here. I just need some focus time.
30. I need to concentrate for a bit. Can we continue this later?

Direct Phrases for Persistent Situations

1. Can we talk later? I’m in the middle of something.
2. I need to focus, so I can’t talk right now.
3. I’m busy at the moment, let’s touch base later.
4. Please give me some quiet time to get this done.
5. I’m working on a deadline right now, can we speak after?
6. I’m swamped with work, so I can’t chat at the moment.
7. I need to finish this task before we can talk.
8. Can we pick this up later? I’m tied up right now.
9. I need to concentrate, please don’t disturb me for a while.
10. Let’s talk once I’ve finished this important task.
11. I can’t focus with the interruptions, let’s talk later.
12. Please respect my need for some space right now.
13. I need uninterrupted time to complete this task.
14. I’m really busy right now, can we chat after work?
15. I need to finish what I’m doing before I can talk.
16. Can you give me some time to work in peace?
17. I’m working on something important, can we speak in an hour?
18. Please allow me to finish this task without distractions.
19. I need to finish up here—let’s talk later.
20. I’m focused on something right now, I’ll get back to you soon.
21. Can we continue this conversation after I’ve completed my task?
22. I need a break from talking for a bit—let’s chat later.
23. I’m not available for a chat right now—please give me some space.
24. I can’t engage right now; I have to finish this first.
25. I’m really busy right now, can we talk when I’m free?
26. I need a little quiet time to get through this work.
27. I’m currently focused on something else—let’s talk later.
28. I need to finish up this project—let’s catch up in a bit.
29. I’m handling something urgent right now, can I get back to you later?
30. Please don’t interrupt me, I need to finish what I’m doing.
31. I can’t chat right now, but I’ll find time once I’m done.
32. I’m under a tight deadline, can we talk afterward?
33. I need to focus right now—let’s speak after I finish this.

Soft Rejections Without Hurting Feelings

1. I’m really focused right now, but I’d love to catch up later.
2. I’m in the middle of something, can we talk in a bit?
3. I’d love to chat, but I need a little quiet time right now.
4. I have a lot to wrap up at the moment, let’s touch base later.
5. I’m trying to get this done, can we talk later today?
6. I’d love to help, but I really need to finish this first.
7. I’m a bit swamped right now, let’s reconnect in a while.
8. I’m in focus mode right now, but we can catch up soon.
9. I’m not available for a chat right now, but I’ll reach out when I’m free.
10. I’m a little tied up at the moment, let’s talk after I finish this.
11. I need to concentrate for a bit, but I’ll catch up with you soon.
12. I’m working on something that needs my full attention right now.
13. I’m in the zone at the moment, can we pick this up later?
14. I’m swamped with work right now, let’s talk after lunch.
15. I need a little quiet time to focus, but I’ll find you later.
16. I have to focus right now, but I’ll be available later if you need me.
17. I really need to finish this first, but let’s reconnect in a bit.
18. I’m in the middle of something, can we touch base in an hour?
19. I need to wrap this up, but I’ll be happy to talk afterward.
20. I’m tied up right now, but we’ll chat as soon as I’m done.
21. I need to focus on this for a while, but we’ll catch up later.
22. I’m working on a deadline, can we catch up in a bit?
23. I need a bit of quiet to finish this, but I’ll get back to you soon.
24. I can’t focus if we talk now, but I’ll be free in a little while.
25. I’d love to chat, but I really need to finish this first.
26. I’m focused on this task, but I’ll check in with you once I’m done.
27. Can we talk in an hour? I need to focus for a bit.
28. I have to get through this right now, but we can talk soon.
29. I’m tied up with this task, but I’ll come find you when I’m free.
30. I really need to concentrate, but we’ll catch up afterward.
31. I can’t chat right now, but I’d love to hear from you once I’m done.
32. I’m working through something, can we circle back later?
33. I need a little time to focus, but I’ll be available soon.
34. I’m deep in this task right now, but we’ll reconnect shortly.

Proactive Phrases to Schedule Time Later

1. Let’s schedule some time later to catch up—how about 2 PM?
2. I’m tied up at the moment, but let’s put 3 PM on the calendar to talk.
3. How about we set up a meeting for later today? I’ll be free around 4.
4. I’m focused on something now, but let’s schedule a chat for after lunch.
5. I’m working on a deadline right now, but I’m free at 1:30 PM. Let’s chat then.
6. I’m a little busy now, but can we set up a time for 11 AM tomorrow?
7. I need to finish this, but how about we catch up in an hour at 2:30?
8. I’m focused on something important right now, but how about we connect later today?
9. I’m tied up right now, but let’s set a time to meet at 4 PM.
10. I’m working through something at the moment, but let’s catch up at 3:00.
11. I’m swamped with work right now, but I’m available at 10:30 AM. Does that work for you?
12. I’ll need a little quiet time, but how about we schedule a meeting for 2:00?
13. I’m deep into something, but I’ll be free in about an hour. Let’s talk then.
14. I’m working through this right now, but can we meet at 2:45 PM?
15. I’m finishing up a task, but let’s set a time for 4:30 PM to chat.
16. I need to focus right now, but how about we meet at 1:15 PM?
17. I’m in the middle of something, but we can talk at 12:30 PM if that works.
18. Let me finish this up, and we can chat at 3 PM.
19. I’m a bit busy right now, but I’m available at 11 AM tomorrow if that works.
20. I’m finishing a task, but I’ll be free at 4 PM. Let’s schedule then.
21. I’m occupied for now, but how does 3:30 PM sound for a quick chat?
22. I’m focused right now, but I’ll have some time at 2:00 PM to meet.
23. Let me get through this, and we can catch up at 10 AM tomorrow.
24. I’m in the middle of something, but I’ll be free at 1:45 PM. Does that work?
25. I’m swamped with work right now, but we can set up a time for 4:00 PM.
26. I’m trying to finish something, but I’ll be available at 2 PM for a quick talk.
27. I’m deep in this right now, but how about we meet at 3:00 PM?
28. I’m working on a deadline, but I’m free at 2:30 PM to catch up.
29. I need some time to focus, but how does 5 PM sound for a chat?
30. I’m busy with a task, but I’ll be free at 12:45. Let’s touch base then.
31. Let me finish this, and we’ll meet at 1:00 PM for a quick chat.
32. I need to get through something first, but how about we talk at 3:45 PM?
33. I’m busy right now, but let’s meet at 2:15 PM to catch up.
34. I’m working on something important, but I’ll be free at 4:45 PM.
35. Let me wrap up here, and we’ll set a time for 5:00 PM.

Friendly Phrases to Use with Close Coworkers

1. Hey, I need a little quiet time to focus—let’s catch up later!
2. I’m in the middle of something, but I’ll find you once I’m done.
3. I love our chats, but I’ve got to finish this. Let’s talk soon!
4. Can I have a little space to get this done? I’ll be back in a bit.
5. I’m really focusing right now—let’s plan a break later!
6. I’d love to hang out, but I need to finish this first. We’ll talk soon!
7. I’m on a deadline right now, but I’ll make time for a break later.
8. I’m in deep focus mode—let’s grab coffee in a bit though!
9. I’ve got a lot to wrap up, but I’ll catch you in a little while.
10. I really need to concentrate, but I’ll reach out once I’m done.
11. Can you give me a bit of space to finish this up? I’ll be free soon.
12. I’m working on something urgent, but let’s chat later when I’m free.
13. I need a few minutes to get this done, but I’ll be right with you.
14. I’m in the zone at the moment, but let’s catch up after lunch.
15. I need to get through this, but we’ll definitely talk later!
16. I’m focused on a task right now—let’s hang out in a bit!
17. I have to finish something up, but I’ll catch you soon.
18. I’m in the middle of something, but we can chat once I’m done.
19. I’m handling something right now, but I’ll touch base with you later.
20. I’m swamped with work, but we can catch up as soon as I’m done.
21. I need some focus time, but I’ll check in with you in a bit!
22. I need to power through this, but let’s meet up after I finish.
23. I’ve got my head down on this right now, but I’ll join you soon.
24. I’ll need a little time to finish, but we’ll talk after I’m done.
25. I’m working on something, but I’ll make time for us later!
26. I need to concentrate for a bit, but I’ll be free soon.
27. I’ve got to finish this, but we’ll catch up later, I promise!
28. Let me finish this real quick, and then I’m all yours!
29. I’m focusing on a task, but I’ll reach out when I’m finished.
30. I’m in the middle of something important, but we’ll hang out later!
31. I’ve got a few things to finish up, but I’ll find you when I’m free.

Time-Based Phrases for When You’re on a Deadline

1. I’m on a tight deadline, so I need to focus right now.
2. I’m under a deadline, but I’ll be available in an hour.
3. Can we talk after I finish this? I have a deadline coming up.
4. I’m racing against the clock right now, but I’ll be free soon.
5. I’ve got a deadline to meet, but I’ll catch up with you later.
6. I’m on a deadline, so I need to power through this for a bit.
7. Let’s touch base in an hour, I need to meet this deadline first.
8. I’m in the middle of a time-sensitive project, but I’ll reach out when I’m free.
9. I’ve got a deadline to hit, but I’ll be available after 3 PM.
10. I’m working against the clock, but let’s reconnect once I’m done.
11. I’ve got to meet this deadline, but I’ll make time for you afterward.
12. I’m under pressure to finish this, but I’ll find you when I’m done.
13. I’m on a deadline right now, but I’ll be free to chat in an hour.
14. I need to focus and hit this deadline, but I’ll be free in 30 minutes.
15. I’m working against the clock, but I can check in with you after I finish.
16. I’m on a tight schedule today, but I’ll catch up with you once I meet this deadline.
17. I need to get through this deadline, but let’s touch base later today.
18. I’m on a deadline right now, can we talk once I’m done?
19. I’ve got to finish this by 5, but I’ll find you once it’s done.
20. I’m racing to finish a project, but I’ll be available after lunch.
21. I need a little quiet time to meet this deadline, but we can chat soon.
22. I’m working on something time-sensitive, but I’ll check in later.
23. I’ve got a pressing deadline, but I’ll be free around 2:30 PM.
24. I need to focus to meet this deadline, but let’s touch base afterward.
25. I’m swamped with a deadline right now, but I’ll catch up in a bit.
26. I’m under a tight deadline, so I’ll need to focus for a little while.
27. I’ve got this deadline to meet, but I’ll reach out once I’m done.
28. I’m in the middle of a time-sensitive task, but I’ll be available soon.
29. I need to meet this deadline, but I’ll find you once I finish.
30. I’ve got a lot to get through, but I’ll be free to chat after I meet my deadline.
31. I’m on a deadline, so I’ll need some time to wrap this up first.
32. I need a few more minutes to finish this deadline, but I’ll be right with you.
33. I’ve got a looming deadline, but I’ll catch up with you later.
34. I need to finish this before 4, but I’ll be free after that.
35. I’m under a deadline at the moment, but we can meet after I’m done.
36. I’ve got a deadline to meet, but I’ll take a break soon to catch up with you.

Phrases to Use in Virtual or Remote Work Settings

1. I’m on a call right now, but I’ll message you once I’m done.
2. I’m currently away from my desk, but I’ll be back shortly.
3. I’m in the middle of a Zoom meeting, can we chat afterward?
4. I’m focusing on a project at the moment, but I’ll reach out when I’m free.
5. Let’s schedule a time to meet virtually later today.
6. I’m in a virtual meeting, can I get back to you in 30 minutes?
7. I’m away from my computer right now, but I’ll be back soon.
8. I need some uninterrupted time to work, but I’ll touch base later.
9. I’m juggling a few things, but I’ll be available for a call at 2 PM.
10. I’m on a video call, but I’ll follow up with you as soon as I’m done.
11. I need to finish this task, but I’ll be free for a chat afterward.
12. I’m currently in “do not disturb” mode, but I’ll check in once I’m available.
13. I’m in the middle of a task, can I ping you when I’m free?
14. I’ll need a few more minutes to finish this, but let’s touch base soon.
15. I’m deep in work at the moment, but I’ll find a time to connect later.
16. I’m focusing on this project right now, but let’s schedule a call for after 3 PM.
17. I’m attending a virtual meeting, but I’ll respond as soon as I can.
18. I’m in the middle of something, but I’ll reach out in an hour.
19. I need to focus on this task, but let’s plan a catch-up call after I’m done.
20. I’m currently multitasking, but I’ll be available for a call at 1 PM.
21. I’ve got some things to wrap up, but I’ll touch base once I’m done.
22. I’m involved in a virtual meeting at the moment, but I’ll follow up soon.
23. I’m working on something urgent, but I’ll reach out when I’m available.
24. I’m in a focused work session right now, but let’s plan for a break to chat later.
25. I’m currently unavailable, but I’ll be back online in a bit.
26. I’m working remotely and need to focus, but I’ll reach out when I can chat.
27. I’m on a deadline, but I’ll be free for a virtual coffee in 45 minutes.
28. I’m on a conference call at the moment, but I’ll catch up with you afterward.
29. I’m in a meeting now, but I’ll be available to connect afterward.
30. I need some uninterrupted focus time, but we can chat after lunch.
31. I’m currently in “focus mode,” but let’s catch up later today.
32. I’m working on a priority task, but I’ll be free for a call in about an hour.
33. I’m handling something right now, but I’ll make time for you in 30 minutes.
34. I’m in a Zoom call at the moment, but I’ll get back to you once it’s done.
35. I’m juggling a few things right now, but let’s touch base in an hour.
36. I’m away from my desk at the moment, but I’ll be back shortly to chat.

Final Words

Setting boundaries at work doesn’t have to be uncomfortable; by using polite and respectful phrases, you can let your coworkers know when you need space to focus without causing tension. Whether you’re dealing with a deadline or just need quiet time, clear communication and simple cues like scheduling a chat for later or using visual signals can help. 

Over time, these habits will improve your productivity, reduce stress, and create a more comfortable work environment. Remember, it’s okay to ask for space—it’s an important part of staying focused, feeling well, and maintaining healthy relationships at work.