Workplace boundaries have become a topical discussion as the internet and office increasingly permeate our personal lives. Between growing remote work pressure, social media and the convenience of accessing emails and files on smartphones, our traditional work-life balance is eroding.
The key takeaway is that others will continue to take advantage of what you give unless you set and hold your boundaries. People will not be able to guess what your boundaries are, you need to enforce them.
The Importance of Boundaries in the Workplace
A lack of defined boundaries at work can trigger a vicious cycle of resentment, fatigue, burnout, reduced productivity and poor mental health. The World Health Organisation provides guidelines for managers, stating that absenteeism, presenteeism, productivity, and performance metrics can all be indicators of a team member’s emotional state, mood, mental health, and overall well-being.
Poor boundaries accumulate workplace stress and can thus lead to burnout. Burnout affects a quarter of workers multiple times a year and 40% of us believe it’s an inevitable part of success. Ultimately, setting boundaries benefits self-esteem, conserves emotional energy and allows you more agency and independence.
Sometimes, however, boundaries are a battle that we pick and choose. Maybe it’s worth some weeks or months to work overtime for a major project that will lead to additional success for yourself and the broader company. Be aware that all our decisions, whether during the workday or outside it, have consequences for our time and energy.
Recognising the Signs You Need to Set Boundaries
Boundaries are usually set based on:
- Personal values and beliefs
- Past experiences and relationships
- Emotional capacity and comfort levels
- Safety and security concerns
- Time management and availability
- Cultural and societal norms
Furthermore, when navigating professional relationships, you may need to be firmer with your boundaries if you are feeling overworked, anxious, or have difficulty saying “no”.
Strategies for Setting Boundaries at Work
1. How to Say No Without Guilt
It may sound daunting, but assertiveness will reduce your stress in the long run. If you’re too busy or feel a request is unnecessary and adds to scope creep, it’s completely acceptable to say no. Besides, rejecting a request on these terms will reduce your risk of burnout, and show your boss that you are reliable and understand your workload capacities, as well as demonstrate positive leadership autonomy.
2. Communicating Your Boundaries with Colleagues
It’s unlikely that your boundaries will be noticed by anyone but yourself. Let unchecked, coworkers, clients and managers will continue to absorb all of your time, energy, and attention. Fortunately, everyone is most probably in the same situation. Let your colleagues know what your plans are and your feelings. It’ll start an open conversation and build respect, so when things get tough, an emergency arises, or you just need to take a step back, everyone will be clear on your needs.
The same goes for when you’re struggling with an abundance of deliverables, unrealistic deadlines or difficult co-workers. Communication builds relationships and will allow for helpful feedback on workloads and responsibilities. The best practice is to have agreed terms and actions in writing.
That way, everyone can be held accountable if issues arise.
3. Time Management and Setting Expectations
Consistency is most important to managing boundaries, both for your well-being and to be recognised by others. Keep your diary up to date and stick to it, making your self-care habits visible to colleagues, such as leaving for lunch.
Before going on leave, make an effort to share duties with colleagues in your absence. Comprehensive handover notes will make their life, and by extension yours, easier until your return.
4. Setting Boundaries in Virtual Work Environments
If you work from home, have a clear office environment and organise the day based on necessary tasks, your work life and personal priorities. Don’t forget to include breaks, meetings and daily goals in your calendar. Organise the week based on your schedule, including family time and events. If you plan to work on weekends, schedule that in your calendar too. The fewer surprises, the stronger the boundaries.
Having an automatic out of office message does not always suffice to relay your message, it needs to be strongly worded and followed. Do not respond to emails while the out-of-office message is in place, unless completely urgent. No one wants to answer emails in bed if they can avoid it.
5. Handling Boundary Violations
Know your limits. If a client, manager or colleague continually impedes your personal space and time, give them a chance and then have a professional, yet firm, conversation with them. The only way to progress is with clarity and empathy. Perhaps the coworker or colleague has their reasons for interrupting you; try and find a compromise to suit the needs of all parties.
The Australian Government recently announced laws giving workers the right to disconnect. This empowers workers to refuse reading or responding to communications from their employer outside paid hours unless doing so is unreasonable, or they work in a small business. Any violations of these boundaries can be reported to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Boundaries Outside the Office & Managing Work-life Balance
The most basic boundary tip— and often one easier said than done— is to switch off from work after hours, by limiting access to work emails, and establishing time for personal activities.
Place your phone in ‘Do Not Disturb’ or a ‘Focus mode’ to restrict notifications and messages for specific apps and contacts. Unwind, meet up with friends after work, do some exercise, watch television, cook a viral recipe you’ve been dying to try, whatever it is that will take your mind away from the office with you.
A healthy support system will assist in your boundary development, strengthening your approach to remain firm if receiving pushback from coworkers or management.
Experience the Benefits of a Well-Balanced Life
Boundaries must constantly be practised and refined before they become properly effective. Whilst difficult, particularly if you are introverted and dislike confrontation, the benefits to your job, life and anxiety will be monumental.
Curious about further ways to improve your behaviour at work and overall energy and productivity? Consider Priority Management’s comprehensive Corporate Training programs tailored to time management, project and energy management, and detailed courses on the Microsoft Suite to keep you up to date with handy IT tricks of the trade. We’re the trusted leaders in workspace solutions.