How to (Re-)Establish Work Boundaries

Setting boundaries at work is a step-by-step process. It’s easiest to set boundaries when you first start a new job, or at the start of new circumstances.  However, if you find that you didn’t set initial boundaries or you have become a little relaxed and you’d like to get back on track, here are a few steps for you to try.   

Step 1: 
Prioritize What’s Important: List priorities

Knowing what is important to you is the first step to knowing how and where to set boundaries. Start by asking yourself what boundaries you need to protect your own happiness at work. Ask yourself: “What does that give me? How does it feel when I am operating at my optimal potential?” 

Also be sure to take the time to notice the times you feel frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed—indications that a boundary is being violated or needs to be established.

For example: Eating dinner with family, and having time throughout the day to mentally unwind – given all the stressful activities and the constant change may be another priority.  Listing them out helps to see what might be the most impactful and provides guidance on which one to introduce first.  Not only does this help separate work and life, but it also allows you to replenish your mental, emotional, and spiritual reserves.

Step 2:
Set Limits: List limits

Once you prioritize what’s important, you will have an idea of the areas where you need to focus and start setting limits to help you maintain balance and promote boundaries.  Link your boundaries to your priorities to help you maintain balance in all areas.

For example: Only respond to work-related calls after (0:00 pm), if it’s an emergency. Permit checking of emails until dinnertime, after that electronic devices are put away.  

Step 3:
Communicate your boundaries clearly 

Who do you need to communicate your boundary to?

Be open, honest, and clear with coworkers, managers, peers, family, friends about your boundaries, etc. Don’t, try to set all your boundaries at once. Take it one conversation at a time. Practice identifying, asking for, and keeping a boundary. Keep track of what works, change what doesn’t, and keep moving forward.
Clearly state the ways in which you are seeking to maintain the boundaries you’ve set to ensure you can successfully support yourself, your team, and your organization. Do this as soon as possible following a violation so it maintains its poignancy and the person violating it understands its importance. 

Be ready for boundary breaches 

Jot down a response plan.

It’s inevitable that at some point, someone will violate your boundaries. Be prepared for this by visualizing a boundary getting crossed, then decide how you’re going to handle that situation.

For example: your boss emails you on Saturday. Visualize what your reaction will be, then create a plan of action. Will you reply right away with the answer he or she wants? Will you reply and say you’ll respond Monday, at work? Will you respond Monday morning and remind him or her of your boundary? Will you ask your boss what’s expected of you when an email comes in over the weekend?

Having a game plan in place helps you to be prepared and avoid being hijacked by emotions.

Building boundaries takes time and practice. Boundaries will get crossed. Side steps will be taken. Instead of viewing violations as negatives, see them as opportunities to gain insight and improve on your boundary setting.

How do you think your life will be different once you’ve established healthy boundaries?

Tips for maintaining healthy boundaries:

• Start slow and introduce one at a time
• Ask for support… “I’m interested in finding space to mentally unwind throughout the day.  I’ve decided to take 10 minutes on a daily basis to reflect prior to me ending my work day.  Will you support me by: asking if I took 10 minutes when you think of it, by protecting my calendar and not scheduling over my reflection time, etc.”
• Clarify expectations.  Just because someone sends you an email on vacation doesn’t mean they are looking for you to respond. Ask, when this happens, what is your expectation of me?
• Delegate when possible, it provides team members with an additional opportunity to showcase leadership abilities.
• Consider the tone you set for others when you don’t maintain healthy boundaries. (mistrust, dependency, lack of importance)
• Ask for guidance- ask members of your network for coaching and guidance.

Quick Examples:

• Failures from trying new technology
• Failures from trying new online team building activities
• Working from home failures
• Returning to work failures
• Pets or children taking over Zoom meetings, etc.

Information drawn from careeradvancementblog.com by Joel Garfinkle