Why It's Crucial to Set Boundaries at Work and at Home
Work has become an integral part of many people's lives, who often can't disconnect even when they're at home. Everyone needs to set boundaries at work to maintain a healthy work-life balance allowing them to enjoy every aspect of their lives. As a result, professionals can be more productive at work because they can focus on each task without getting stressed or easily distracted. Also, by setting boundaries, we learn how to accept only the workload that we know we can handle without becoming overwhelmed. In this way, we avoid burnout and set an example for our colleagues.
Types of borders
Physically
These boundaries indicate how someone can physically interact with their coworkers. For example, you might want to keep it as professional and formal as possible, preferring handshakes over hugs. Or, if you don’t want to be distracted at work, you might put on headphones to show that you’re busy. And if someone wants to join you on your break when you’d rather be alone, let them know in a nice way.
Emotional
Anyone can have a bad day at work, where even small things can set them off. If someone’s anger is directed at you, it’s important to stay calm and make it clear that you don’t want to get involved. Walk away from the situation for your own good. To further ensure your emotional well-being in the workplace, discuss how you prefer to receive your anger feedback with your managers and make sure your feelings are heard and respected.
Mental
These boundaries refer to a person’s internal needs while working. For example, a team member may need to take smaller and more frequent breaks rather than one long break. They should therefore communicate this preference to their manager and explain why it works better for them. They may also have other suggestions for management that could improve their quality of work and productivity, which they should also communicate.
6 Ways for Professionals to Set Boundaries for Work-Life Balance
1. Make a schedule and stick to it
Team members shouldn’t be afraid to create and share their work schedule with their coworkers and managers. For example, they can list the times they check their inboxes so everyone knows when to expect a response. Some people may only be available at certain times of the day, while others may be answering phone calls and emails throughout the workday. Additionally, employees may need to schedule their weekly responsibilities, including business meetings, leisure activities, and family matters. Setting specific blocks of time for each task ensures that everything and everyone gets the attention they need. However, people shouldn’t let their work matters drag on longer than planned and instead should stop working at a specific time.
2. Communicate effectively
Communication is important in any workplace, and professionals should discuss any issues they consider important with their colleagues and managers. For example, they can make it clear that they are not to be contacted after hours. Also, when they feel overwhelmed with work, they can ask for help by approaching a colleague and asking if he or she is available to step in and help. Or they can let their managers know about their difficulties and ask them to delegate some of their tasks to someone else. While it is difficult to admit that you cannot handle everything, it is the responsible and healthy thing to do.
3. Set your priorities
Some people prioritize their professional life over their personal life, while others do the opposite. Whatever the case, you need to identify your priorities, create your schedule, and set boundaries at work. For example, someone who is work-oriented may put in extra hours at their job and even prefer to work overtime. On the other hand, someone who prioritizes their personal life may need to disconnect from everything work-related after work hours. In that case, they should let their coworkers know about their schedule and make it clear to leadership that they will not work overtime.
4. Learn how to say no
This can be difficult for people who fear that refusing to do certain tasks will create negative feelings and hinder their career development. However, saying no helps you focus on your priorities and sends a clear message to anyone who might take advantage of your willingness to help. Furthermore, you have every right to skip a meeting that is taking place during your lunch break and get the relaxation you need. Sometimes your boundaries will be tested and you need to be prepared for confrontation. For example, if someone asks you to do a last-minute task that you know you don’t have time for, calmly explain that they will have to wait until the next morning. This behavior reestablishes your boundaries and lets others in the office know how to handle similar issues in the future.
5. Invest in your free time
Research has shown that making rest a routine has benefits for your physical and intellectual health, both at work and at home. Therefore, professionals must protect their free time and not allow anything to interfere with it. They must learn to disconnect and leave work-related matters and conversations behind when they are not in the office. They must also make time for a few vacation days every now and then, even if it is just to stay home with their family. Recharging your batteries when you start to feel burned out is essential for your brain to release stress and relax. Consequently, your productivity improves when you return to work.
6. Set boundaries at home too
Working from home can sometimes be more stressful than working in an office. To prevent this, disconnect at the end of the day and resist the temptation to keep checking your emails and tasks. For example, you can forbid yourself to check your emails on the weekend and only do so during work hours. Another suggestion is to designate a specific space for your desk and tools. It doesn’t have to be an entire room, but a corner where you only go to work.
Conclusion
When there is no work-life balance, people are more likely to experience burnout and reduced productivity. For remote workers, loneliness and isolation can make the situation even more difficult to cope with. However, setting boundaries at work and at home can help you focus more effectively on your work tasks and take time to relax when needed. People generally need to be liked by others, but sometimes saying no and refusing to take on extra work is just the right thing for your mental and physical health.