There is a word leeway, but I don't believe it's an answer to my
question.
Correct, leeway is not the right word. Leeway is defined as "the amount of freedom to move or act that is available" and is a noun which is often applied to signify a specific movement. For example, the deadline is 15th August but we have 2 days leeway either side.
Found another one — sufficient time margin, but still doesn't sound
like the best option.
Agreed, this can be used, but is very formal and sounds like something in a legal document or a report.
No hurry. We have plenty of time.
Does indeed imply that one can sit back and do nothing because there is plenty of time.
I would use phrases like
- This is not the top of the list but does need to be addressed soon
- This is important but can wait for a short time
- We do have some time to spare but please stay on this and report progress
- We have sufficient time to ensure we do a thorough job
- We have bought some time in the short term
- This is not urgent but does need to be looked at in the near term
It would also help to be specific, for example,
- This is urgent (how urgent, what is the impact?)
- This needs to be done in the next 2 weeks (what is the timeframe?)