10 Professional Synonyms for “Please Take Your Time”

In the workplace, communicating with respect and understanding about time is important. The phrase “Please take your time” is commonly used, but there are many ways to convey this message.

This article lists 10 professional alternatives to this phrase, perfect for use in emails or messages. Each alternative is explained to help you choose the right one for your situation, making your communication more effective and thoughtful.

Is It Professional to Say “Please Take Your Time”?

The phrase “please take your time” can be considered professional, formal or informal depending on the context, and polite. This phrase is versatile and adapts well to various situations, effectively conveying patience and respect for the recipient’s schedule and workload.

It’s suitable for use in situations where you wish to assure the recipient that there is no rush for a response or task completion. This can apply to emails, when assigning tasks, or during meetings where decisions need time to be considered. It works well with all types of recipients – colleagues, clients, or superiors – showing consideration for their time.

Here is an example:

Dear Ms. Smith,

I've attached the documents for our upcoming project. Please take your time to go through all the details thoroughly. Let me know if you have any questions or need further information.

Best regards,
Emily

Pros:

• Shows respect for the recipient’s time and workload.
• Conveys a sense of patience and understanding.
• Enhances the politeness of your communication.

Cons:

• Could be interpreted as too casual in very formal settings.
• May imply that the task isn’t a priority, even if it is.
• Potentially vague about expected timelines or urgency.

While “please take your time” is broadly applicable, in certain situations, you might want to use an alternative phrase. This could be to clear any possible ambiguity about deadlines or to tailor your language more closely to the specific culture of your workplace.

10 Other Ways to Say “Please Take Your Time”

Here are the most common professional synonyms for “Please Take Your Time” that you can use in a professional email or workplace environment:

1. Feel free to review at your leisure.

This alternative keeps the conversation light and implies flexibility. Compared to “Please take your time,” it adds a nuance of leisure, suggesting that the recipient can approach the task without any pressure. This phrase maintains a professional, yet informal tone and is polite.

It suits informal or semi-formal email exchanges and is ideal for situations where the timeline is flexible. It works well with colleagues or clients you have a friendly rapport with. This phrase is best used in emails or messages where a relaxed tone is acceptable.

Email example:

Dear Mark,

I've attached the draft for the upcoming project proposal for your review. Feel free to review at your leisure.

Best,
Linda

2. There’s no rush on this.

This synonym communicates clearly that the recipient has the freedom to prioritize other tasks if necessary. It’s slightly more informal than the original phrase but retains its polite essence. It’s perfect for when the deadline is flexible.

This version is better suited for internal communications within a team. It’s particularly useful for managers communicating with their team members, ensuring them that while the task is important, it does not outweigh immediate priorities. This alternative is most effective in emails or direct messages.

Email sample:

Dear Alex,

Regarding the data analysis report scheduled for next quarter, there's no rush on this.

Regards,
Jamie

3. Let me know when you get a chance.

This alternative implies a request for an update or feedback without applying pressure on the timeline. It suggests flexibility and consideration for the recipient’s workload, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly more informal approach.

This phrase is particularly useful in professional environments where mutual respect and understanding of workload are emphasized. It’s best used with colleagues or supervisors when requesting updates or feedback on non-urgent matters through emails or messaging platforms.

Example:

Dear Rebecca,

Can you evaluate the attached budget projections? Let me know when you get a chance.

Best,
Oliver

4. When you have a moment, please look over this.

This synonym brings in a sense of urgency while still being considerate of the recipient’s time. It’s more direct than “Please take your time,” but it maintains a professional and polite tone.

It’s particularly effective for requests that require attention but are not urgent. Suitable for use with different types of recipients across various communication channels, it’s most effective in a professional email or message when needing a review or feedback.

Here’s an example:

Dear Emily,

Attached is the project outline for our next meeting. When you have a moment, please look over this.

Kind regards,
Charlie

5. At your earliest convenience, please.

Comparing to the original, this alternative adds a touch of formality and subtly suggests that the recipient should attend to the matter as soon as they can, without explicit urgency. It is polite and professional, fitting for formal and semi-formal communication.

This phrase is best for emails directed towards clients, higher management, or any situation where a respectful request is needed. It communicates urgency more politely and is well-suited for formal communication channels like emails or letters.

Email example:

Dear Ms. Thompson,

Please find the report attached for your review. At your earliest convenience, please.

Sincerely,
Derek

6. I appreciate your thorough attention to this.

This alternative places emphasis on the quality of the review or work expected. It differs by expressing gratitude in advance, which adds warmth and is professional and polite. This phrase implies trust in the recipient’s diligence and thoroughness.

It is particularly suitable for sending documents or projects for review, especially when detailed feedback is desired. This phrase works best with colleagues, mentors, or anyone whose input you value highly. Email is the preferred communication channel for this phrase.

Example:

Dear Jonathan,

Attached please find the annual business plan. I appreciate your thorough attention to this.

Warm regards,
Samantha

7. There’s no immediate hurry.

This phrase clearly indicates that the task is not urgent without diminishing its importance. It is less formal than the original but remains professional and is unquestionably polite.

Use this alternative in internal communications or with long-standing clients with whom you have established a comfortable working relationship. It’s particularly apt for emails or messages where you wish to reassure the recipient of the flexibility in deadlines.

Email sample:

Dear Colin,

We're planning the next phase of development, and your input would be valuable. There’s no immediate hurry, but your thoughts would be greatly appreciated when you have time.

Best wishes,
Anita

8. Take the time you need.

This synonym communicates full support for the recipient’s decision on how to manage their time. It’s similar to the original in its empathy and support, making it professional, formal, and polite.

It’s especially suited for conversations with team members who may be dealing with complex tasks or going through challenging times. This alternative ensures the message is conveyed with empathy and understanding, ideal for emails and direct communications within teams.

Here’s an example:

Dear Helen,

I understand the complexity of the project you're handling. Take the time you need to complete it to our standard.

Kind regards,
George

9. Please proceed at a pace that suits you.

This alternative offers freedom to the receiver to manage their workflow as they see fit, similar to “Please take your time.” It’s professional, yet grants autonomy, making it polite and respectful of the recipient’s time management skills.

This phrase is perfect for delegating tasks that require careful attention or creativity where the process cannot be rushed. It’s particularly effective in emails to colleagues or team members who you trust to manage their time effectively.

Email example:

Dear Thomas,

The next set of design drafts for the project are attached for your review. Please proceed at a pace that suits you.

All the best,
Rachel

10. Attend to this as you see fit.

This version suggests a high level of trust in the recipient’s judgment regarding how and when to tackle the task. It conveys respect for their expertise and autonomy, similar to the original phrase but with an implication of even greater flexibility. It is both professional and polite.

This alternative is exceptionally well-suited for communication with professionals whose expertise is crucial for the task at hand, such as consultants or specialists. It allows for a high degree of freedom in how they approach the task, making it ideal for emails or messages where independence is emphasized.

Example:

Dear Laura,

The documentation for your review is attached. Attend to this as you see fit.

Regards,
Nathan

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words can make a big difference in professional communication. The alternatives provided here to “Please take your time” offer various ways to express patience and respect for someone’s schedule. Each option serves a different tone, from formal to more casual, fitting different workplace situations. By using these alternatives wisely, you can improve how you connect with colleagues and clients, ensuring your message is both clear and considerate.