Why It's Crucial To Set Boundaries At Work And At Home
Work has become an integral part of the lives of many people, who often can't disconnect even when they get home. Everyone must set boundaries at work to have a healthy work-life balance that allows them to enjoy every aspect of their lives. As a result, professionals can be more productive at work since they're able to concentrate on each task without being stressed or easily distracted. Also, by setting boundaries, we learn how to accept only the workload we know we can deal with without getting swamped. This way, we avoid experiencing burnout and set an example for our colleagues.
Types Of Boundaries
Physical
These boundaries indicate how someone can physically interact with their colleagues. For example, you may want to keep things as professional and formal as possible and prefer handshakes to hugs. Or, if you don't want to be distracted at work, you may wear headphones to show you are busy. And if someone wants to accompany you during your break when you'd rather be on your own, let them know nicely.
Emotional
Anyone can have a bad day at work, where even minor things can set them off. If someone's anger is directed at you, it's important to stay calm and clearly express that you don't want to be involved. Walk away from the situation for your own benefit. To further ensure your emotional well-being at the workplace, you can discuss your preferred method of receiving feedback with your managers and make certain your feelings are heard and respected.
Mental
These boundaries refer to someone's inner needs during work. For example, a team member may need to take smaller and more frequent breaks than one long break. So, they should communicate this preference to their manager and explain why it works better for them. They may also have other suggestions for management that may improve their quality of work and productivity, which they should also communicate.
6 Ways For Professionals To Set Boundaries For Proper Work-Life Balance
1. Create A Schedule And Stick To It
Team members should not be afraid to carve out their work schedule and share it with their colleagues and managers. For example, they can mention the times they check their inbox so everyone knows when they should expect an answer. Some may be available only at certain times during the day, while others may be answering calls and emails throughout the entire work day. In addition, employees may need to plan for their weekly responsibilities, including business meetings, leisure activities, and family matters. Setting specific blocks of time for each task ensures everything and everyone receives the attention they require. However, people should not let their work matters take longer than programmed and, instead, leave work at a specified time.
2. Communicate Effectively
Communication is important in any workplace, and professionals should discuss all matters they deem important with their colleagues and managers. For example, they can make it clear that they are not to be contacted after work hours. Also, when they feel flooded with work, they can ask for help by approaching a coworker and asking them if they are available to step in and give them a hand. Or they can let their managers know of their difficulties and ask them to delegate a few of their tasks elsewhere. While it's hard to admit you can't handle everything, it's the responsible and healthy thing to do.
3. Set Your Priorities
Some individuals may prioritize their professional over their personal lives, while others do the opposite. Whatever the case, you should identify your priorities, create your schedule, and set boundaries at work. Someone who is work-oriented, for instance, may devote extra hours to their job and even prefer to work overtime. On the other hand, someone who prioritizes their personal life may have to disconnect from anything work-related after work hours. In that case, they should inform their colleagues of their schedule and make it clear to leadership that they won't be working overtime.
4. Learn How To Say No
This might be difficult for those who worry that declining certain tasks could create negative feelings toward them and hinder their career advancement. However, saying no helps you focus on your priorities and gives a clear message to anyone who may want to take advantage of your willingness to help. Plus, you have every right not to attend a meeting that takes place during your lunch break and receive the relaxation you need. Sometimes, your boundaries might be challenged, and you should be prepared for confrontation. For instance, if someone asks you for a last-minute task you know you don't have time for, explain calmly that they will have to wait until the next morning. This behavior reinstates your boundaries and lets others in the office know how they should handle similar future matters.
5. Invest In Your Downtime
Research has shown that making rest a routine has benefits for your physical and intellectual health, both at work and at home. That's why professionals must protect their downtime and not let anything disrupt it. They must learn to disconnect and leave work-related matters and conversations behind when they are out of the office. They should also make time for a few vacation days periodically, even if only to stay at home with their family. Recharging your batteries when you're starting to feel burnt out is vital for your brain to get rid of stress and unwind. Consequently, your production improves when you get back to work.
6. Set Boundaries At Home, Too
Working from home can sometimes be more stressful than working at the office. To avoid that, you must disconnect at the end of the day and resist the temptation to keep checking your emails and job tasks. As an example, you can forbid yourself from checking emails on weekends and only do so during working hours. Another suggestion is to designate a specific space for your work desk and tools. It doesn't have to be an entire room, but a corner you go to only for work.
Conclusion
When a balance between work and personal life is missing, people are more likely to experience burnout and diminished productivity. For remote workers, loneliness and isolation might make the situation even harder to deal with. Nevertheless, if you set your boundaries at work and home, you can focus more effectively on your work tasks and devote time to your relaxation when appropriate. Humans typically need to be liked by others, but sometimes saying no and refusing to do extra work is just the right thing for their mental and physical health.
