Setting Healthy Boundaries at Work
During the covid-19 pandemic many companies moved employees to a working from home model. As we now move on to a post pandemic economy those companies are often continuing with this model, or, a hybrid version of it. Reaping the benefits and tangible results that they found, such as increases in productivity and decreases in absenteeism. Employees in turn are requesting home/office attendance models as part of their work/life balance.
But there is a downside, that companies and in particular their Health and Safety Managers who are responsible for the mental and physical welfare of employees need to be aware of. The constant connection of the employee to their work can lead to employees being too scared to take a holiday or break, feel they are never able to show they are “off” to constant connection, put their out of office on, or not reply to work communications during times of sickness, on weekends or evenings.
Right to Disconnect ?
Concerns over this constant connection culture are being taken so seriously in some countries that Governments are investigating it, such as the current movement lobbying the UK Government to introduce a “Right to Disconnect” in the Employment Bill, which supporters believe would redraw the blurred boundary between home and work and show that the UK Government is serious about tackling the dark side of remote working.
The proposed bill is further endorsed by recent surveys detailing that a third of remote workers said they found it difficult to fully switch off from work and reported an increase in working out of hours. Couple this with the 35 per cent of remote workers who also said their work-related mental health had deteriorated during the pandemic period.
Why Is It Important to Set Boundaries at Work ?
In a nutshell, boundaries help you to separate your working and your personal life and also help you stay happy with a healthy work/life balance. They are essential for your good mental health. Boundaries encourage us to have a dedicated work time and a dedicated time to relax and recharge. These boundaries should create a clear mind shift, a sense that we are done with the working day.
Ways to Set Boundaries at Work
Methods to consider and implement include:
Set Priorities – Firstly, consider what your priorities are ? For example, is childcare an issue for you that must be prioritized ?
Define Boundaries and Set your Non-Negotiables – When expectations aren’t clearly defined, understood or agreed upon, it can cause stress for all concerned. A non-negotiable for you could be that you never want to miss a parents evening. Or, it could include how others communicate with you, for example, perhaps you do not wish to be contacted by Whatsapp, or, possibly you may not want to bring your laptop home with you. You may find it helpful to write a non-negotiables list to reflect on and uncover what is important to you.
Manage and Negotiate Expectations – Set boundaries with colleagues and Managers. Be clear and concise about those boundaries in your communications and leave no uncertainty as to your intention or meaning – don’t leave others trying to interpret your message. Be consistent and stick to your intentions once you have communicated them but don’t forget that it is okay to change your mind later on or tweak your boundaries as you implement them.
Understand your Workload – This will help you establish a good working pace and set expectations for your role.
Identify your Job Responsibilities – Allowing you to notice if additional responsibilities have crept in.
Establish a Clear Schedule – Then share this schedule with your colleagues.
Establish Boundaries at Home – Just the same as you would at work. If you work from home then consider dedicating one space just for working and be mindful of your hours.
Communicate Often and Honestly – Develop strong communication skills and express yourself honestly, explaining your intentions and reasoning so that others may understand you better. Open communication may help iron out some issues that caused the need for boundary setting in the first place.
Respect Others – And their professional boundaries thus creating a healthy and safe workplace.
Practice Saying No – If you find this uncomfortable then remember that it is healthy and acceptable to decline some requests.
Take Time Off – Allow yourself to relax away from work.
The Benefits of Setting Boundaries at Work
There are many tangible benefits to be derived from setting boundaries at work. They include:
- Setting an example within the team or company, leading to a happier and healthier work culture
- Raising productivity by focusing on your own tasks and avoiding distractions
- Lowering work related stress via the management of limits
- Reducing the risk of burnout
Even though Switching Off may feel Counterproductive, it’s Playing the Long Game
There must be a delineation between home self and work self. Creating boundaries and taking breaks doesn’t mean that you’re no longer a dedicated or motivated employee, it simply means that you are increasing your capacity to keep harnessing your productivity and motivation.
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- Health and Safety Risk assessments
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