Say it like this
- I'm heads down on the migration today.
- Heads down until 2, will reply after.
- Let's give the team a heads-down week before launch.
Use it at work
Setting your status
- Heads down until 2 pm.
- Heads down on the release, replies may be slow.
In standup
- I'll be heads down on the migration today.
- Going heads down after this to finish the tests.
Protecting focus time
- I've blocked heads-down time every morning.
- Can we keep Thursday a heads-down day?
Don't say this
Heads-up means a warning. Heads down means focused.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| heads down | focused, don't interrupt | everyone at work | focus time and statuses |
| heads-up | a warning or advance notice | everyone at work | telling people what's coming |
| deep work | long, focused work sessions | productivity culture | planning your day |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. You want to focus all morning and reply later. What Slack status do you set?
2. I'll be heads _______ on the bug fix this afternoon, so I might reply slowly.
3. Which sentence is correct?
4. Rewrite using heads down: 'I need to concentrate on the release this morning and won't join meetings.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"I'm heads down on the migration today."
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More about heads down
Real examples(3)
- in a Slack status
"Heads down on the release; replies may be slow."
- in a standup
"I'll be heads down on the payment bug all morning."
- in a calendar
"Heads-down time, 9 to 12, no meetings please."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Don't confuse it with heads-up. A wrong word can change your message completely.
- ✕I'm head down.✓I'm heads down.
The phrase uses "heads".
- ✕I am heads down on you.✓I'm heads down on the report.
You are heads down on a task, not on a person.
Other forms(2)
- heads down (on something) adjective
"She's heads down on the API."
- heads-down time compound noun
"I blocked two hours of heads-down time."
Often used with(3)
- heads down on X · focused on a task
- heads-down time · a block of time for focus
- go heads down · start focusing and stop responding
Similar words(3)
- focus time · common in calendars
- deep work · focused, uninterrupted work
- in the zone · informal
Opposites(3)
- heads-up (a warning)
- available
- in meetings all day
Questions(4)
- What does 'heads down' mean at work?
- You are focused on your work and want to avoid interruptions.
- What is the difference between heads down and heads-up?
- Heads down means focused. A heads-up is a warning or advance notice.
- What is heads-down time?
- A block in your calendar for focused work with no meetings.
- Is it rude to say I'm heads down?
- No, it is a normal and polite way to say you will reply later.
