8 WAYS TO SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES AT WORK

Everyone has a certain level of tolerance for words or actions directed at them. This, alongside the need to maintain a balanced lifestyle makes it necessary to set boundaries with different activities in the various spheres of our individuals lives. Setting boundaries may seem to many as drawing a line in the sand which no one can cross. While this may be true, it isn’t entirely the case. Boundaries are set to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which implies accommodating people to one’s tolerance range – not shutting them out completely.

As an employer or business owner, alongside setting healthy boundaries with your employees, you also need to set boundaries between your work and personal life while looking out for opportunities to grow your business. As a new employee, you always want to start out fresh at the new place, wanting to demonstrate your worth to your employer, yet keeping boundaries at your workplace to get the respect you deserve, and between work and personal life. If you haven’t had any boundaries set in your current workplace but you wish to, without hurting anybody’s feelings, it may seem even more difficult for you to achieve.

But… it isn’t as difficult to set healthy boundaries, no matter which of the shoes you’re wearing.

Below are some ways to deal with the seemingly invigorating task of setting healthy boundaries at work:

Define your working hours and stick to it. Let everyone at your workplace know your daily working hours and stick to them. This isn’t licence to avoid work. Be honest with how long a task or a project would take and don’t shoot yourself in the leg by short timing yourself on a task.

Leave work at set times. If your daily closing time is 6PM, leave by exactly 6PM. Set alarms if need be. This communicates the importance of your schedule to your boss and colleagues.

Dole out your dos and don’ts with mannerism. Don’t put a report of your likes and dislikes on your colleagues’ tables. Let people know in bits. Be sturdy with your limits, yet approachable. 

Communicate politely. Avoid responding to others discourteously. There is always a polite way to respond to every situation. Take the high road when giving or receiving instructions, evaluations or criticisms. 

Call boundary violations to order ASAP. Communicate every violation of your boundary the moment you get the chance. Do not wait for a more appropriate time – there’s none.

Learn to say NO. While an opportunity presented to you, especially as a new employee, to display your expertraite prowess in a discourse may be enticing. However, learn to let go of such opportunities if they will encroach into your set boundaries. You can recommend/delegate such task to other competent employees at your workplace.

Take day offs. Respect you days off work when granted. Use such times to take care of yourself and avoid responding to non-urgent work-related matters.

Be less emotional. Don’t take decisions that are not in your favour personally. Use criticisms as a tool for growth and self-development.

Think business. As an employee looking to create new time schedule at work for instance, submit a proposal backed up with business reasons rather than personal ones, to your employer. Think like your boss. Think business growth while writing your proposal. Expect objections and prepare to defend them politely.

Boundaries help us live a better and balanced life. People may take one’s kindness for granted when there are no boundaries. As a result of this, one could get hurt or lose respect from employers, employees and colleagues.