At Work Now Hawaii, we believe that your voice matters—especially at work.
If something isn’t working for you, or if you need help to do your best, it’s okay to speak up. That’s called advocating for yourself.
Let’s talk about what that means and how to do it with confidence.
💬 What Does It Mean to Advocate for Yourself?
To advocate for yourself means to:
- Speak up when you need help
- Ask questions when you don’t understand
- Share your ideas and needs
- Stand up for your rights in a respectful way
It’s a skill that takes practice—but anyone can learn it!
🕒 When Should You Speak Up?
You can speak up at work when:
- You don’t understand a task
- You need more time or a tool to do your job
- Someone is treating you unfairly
- You have a great idea to make work better
- You need a break or feel overwhelmed
- When you meet someone you’d like to get to know better, or
- When you hear about a business opportunity or idea you want to learn more about.
You have the right to ask for help. You have the right to feel safe, supported, and respected at your job.
🛠️ How to Speak Up the Right Way
Here are a few tips:
1. Stay calm and kind.
Use a polite voice and kind words, even if you feel nervous.
2. Be clear.
Say exactly what you need or what you’re feeling. Example:
“I’m having trouble hearing instructions. Can I get them in writing?”
3. Practice ahead of time.
You can write down what you want to say or practice with a job coach or friend.
4. Know your rights.
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) says you have the right to reasonable accommodations at work.
5. Ask clear, open ended questions.
And ask follow up questions if you need additional information.
💪 Why Speaking Up Matters
When you advocate for yourself:
- You learn and grow
- You help your team understand your needs
- You feel more confident
- You teach others how to respect you
- You could make new friends
- You could learn something new about your job, your business, or your coworkers.
- You’ll show your coworkers that you’re interested in them and in their work.
And guess what? It helps others, too! When one person speaks up, it can make work better for everyone.
🤝 You’re Not Alone
It’s okay if speaking up feels scary at first. That’s why support teams like Work Now Hawaii are here.
We can help you:
- Practice what to say
- Learn your rights
- Get the tools you need
- Build confidence in yourself
💡 Final Advice
🌟 “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
🌟 “You deserve support just like everyone else.”
🌟 “Your voice matters—use it!”
Advocating for yourself is brave, smart, and strong. You’ve got this!
Need help learning how to speak up at work? Contact us at Work Now Hawaii. We’re here to help you grow and succeed.
Blurb: Speaking up at work is a powerful way to take care of yourself and grow in your job. Whether you need help with a task, want to share an idea, or just want to connect with someone new, advocating for yourself means using your voice with confidence and respect. At Work Now Hawaii, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported on the job—and we’re here to help you build the skills to do just that.
