How to Call in a Favor at Work

While on the daily grind of our jobs, situations will arise every so often when we all need help from our co-workers. During these times, an internal struggle will often present itself. On one hand, you need the help of an extra person or two to get a task completed, but on the other, you don't want to lose the respect of your peers by sounding helpless or lazy.

It's crucial during these situations to remind yourself that nobody is an office superhero immune from ever needing an extra hand, that there aren't 50 hours in a day to get everything completed, and that we all need a little help from time to time. There's no shame in asking for a favor, but at the same time, there's a right and a wrong way to go about it.

People never want to be known as the office pest, causing their co-workers to duck for cover when they approach. To ensure that this fate isn't bestowed upon you, Lynn Taylor, a nationally-recognized workplace expert and CEO of Lynn Taylor Consulting, provides a few pointers.

First, she recommends thinking about the favor beforehand, and whether it's within the realm of possibility for the person you plan to ask, as opposed to being a big stretch. If it isn't too tall of a task, you can then proceed with your approach.

"Timing is everything. Before you ask for help, precede with, 'Is this a good time?'" Taylor says.

If the co-worker responds that it is indeed a good time, you can move on from there.

"It's a two way street," Taylor says. "Each time you ask for a favor, offer at least one. Think of something you can offer in advance."

As long as you make it clear that you are eager and able to return the favor in the future, you'll find that people will be willing to help more often than not.

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of person you're asking the favor from, and what type of relationship you have with that person. If you have a relatively close relationship with the person, your call for help can be more formally introduced into the conversation. If you're not as comfortable with the person, however, you should be sure to have your request well thought out beforehand.

On a similar notion, the age of the person you're asking for help from can make a difference in how you should go about framing your request. Larry and Meagan Johnson are a father-daughter team of workplace experts who specialize in multigenerational work environments. They claim that different age groups tend to react differently to the same request.

"If the person you need help from is a boomer, frame your request so that he or she feels you are asking for mentoring or learning assistance," the Johnsons said. "In other words, make the older co-worker feel as if he or she is helping you in a meaningful way, and that this fellow worker possesses a skill or ability that you really value."

The Johnsons also provide advice for dealing with a younger co-worker.

"If the person you need help from is younger than you, frame your request so that he or she feels you are giving them an opportunity to be an equal," the Johnsons suggest. "Younger workers frequently crave recognition, and showing them that you need their help -- and praising them in advance for their special skill and generosity -- will make them likely to comply happily."

Finally, you have to make sure to be prompt and sincere in your gratitude. It's crucial to follow up with a genuine "thank you" to show your appreciation.

"Don't forget to thank them, if possible, publicly," Taylor says. "It won't hurt to thank them immediately for saying 'yes,' and later when the event happens. A formal thank you in the form of a note or e-mail is also welcomed because it's more visible and in black and white. It demonstrates more thought than just a phone call."

Danny Goldin researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.