In workplaces, there’s a hidden workload that quietly eats away the energy: non-promotable tasks (NPTs).
Although essential to keep teams running but often don’t contribute to career progression. e.g. organising meetings, taking notes, or admin work.
Women tend to shoulder significantly more of this work—up to 200 extra hours a year—because they’re more likely to be asked and more likely to say yes.
✅ That doesn’t mean saying no to everything. Here are 3 ways to say yes:
1️⃣Make space – If you take something on, negotiate to drop another NPT.
2️⃣Share it forward – Say yes now, but ensure someone else takes it next time (maybe even shadow you)
3️⃣Align with your goals – Say yes when the task boosts visibility, plays to your strengths, or builds relationships you value.
Nice report by Sarah Dalrymple in Niche published by British Ecological Society