It might feel a bit daunting to set boundaries at work, but doing so can actually boost your performance and productivity, as well as enhance relationships with colleagues.
“Creating healthy boundaries at work allows you to give yourself the space you need to do your best work, even if it means saying ‘no’ or ‘not right now’,” says Dr Carolyn Pritchett, Head of Neuroscience at Groov.
“Boundaries also support better team relationships and enhance productivity by avoiding communication issues, redundant work, delays, and mistakes,” she adds.
Here are six ways boundaries can help at work.
By setting clear boundaries around your work hours and tasks, you can maximise your productivity. Focusing on essential tasks without unnecessary distractions and interruptions allows you to accomplish more in less time.
Maintaining boundaries helps you create a healthier work-life balance, helping to reduce burnout and enhance wellbeing. The more you practise and refine your wellbeing and live a balanced life with boundaries, the better you’re able to focus at work.
“The relationship between boundaries, balance, and wellbeing is a great example of a positive cycle (the opposite of a vicious negative cycle),” says Dr Carolyn.
The process of setting boundaries requires you to have an awareness of your priorities, goals, and objectives. Having an awareness of priorities and objectives helps you work more effectively by avoiding non-essential distractions.
Clearly communicated boundaries reduce misunderstandings, mistakes, and delays in the workplace. This can lead to healthier relationships with colleagues and supervisors. When you communicate your limits and respect theirs – while maintaining an open mind and adjusting boundaries as needed – it fosters mutual respect and trust.
Working with boundaries improves self-awareness, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, and confidence, which supports overall happiness and helps you grow personally and professionally. Experiencing greater personal growth can improve effectiveness and confidence at work, increasing one’s chance for recognition and promotion.
Taking greater control of your schedule, personal space, and energy levels (even in small ways) supports mental wellbeing, reduces burnout risk, and can boost job satisfaction and overall happiness.
Here are some steps to help you set boundaries effectively in the workplace:
Use positive language and “I” statements. Frame your boundaries in a positive manner, focusing on what you need rather than what you don’t want. For example, “I’m going to focus on my project this afternoon, so I’ll have my notifications off until 4 pm”.
Be respectful and professional. Approach boundary-setting with respect for others’ needs and expectations. It’s essential to balance your boundaries with the needs of your organisation and team. Be professional and considerate in your communication.
Have realistic expectations. Ensure your boundaries are realistic and achievable. Unrealistic or overly strict boundaries may lead to misunderstandings, conflicts or unnecessary stress.
Listen to feedback. Encourage open communication by actively listening to other perspectives. Be open to feedback and willing to compromise where possible.
References:
Davies, M. (2007). Boundaries in counselling and psychotherapy. Athena Press.
Manganelli, L., Thibault-Landry, A., Forest, J., & Carpentier, J. (2018). Self-Determination Theory Can Help You Generate Performance and Well-Being in the Workplace: A Review of the Literature. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 20(2), 227-240. https://doi.org/10.1177/1523422318757210
Pluut, H., & Wonders, J. (2020). Not Able to Lead a Healthy Life When You Need It the Most: Dual Role of Lifestyle Behaviors in the Association of Blurred Work-Life Boundaries With Well-Being. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 607294. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.607294
Quick, J. C. (2021). Wellbeing and Work–Life Boundaries/Interfaces. The SAGE Handbook of Organizational Wellbeing, 89.
Tawwab, N. G. (2021). Set boundaries, find peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself. Little, Brown Book Group.