The importance of setting boundaries

Have you ever found yourself taking on too much, working late, or doing things you don’t want to because you didn’t think you had a choice? If this sounds familiar, perhaps it’s time for you to set boundaries at work.

Whether you have a fear of saying no, are a people pleaser, struggle with establishing limits, or just don’t have the confidence to speak up and communicate your needs, learning to set boundaries is hugely beneficial, both for you and others around you.

Having boundaries in place means that you will be able to manage other people’s expectations up front, remove stress/pressure and of course preserve your energy levels. Without them, people will expect you to do what you have always done, work longer hours, and generally pick up the slack.

Healthier work environment

By setting boundaries at work you are actively establishing healthy professional practices for yourself, which will help you stay productive and happy and allow you to separate your work and personal life more effectively. Regardless of whether you are self-employed, an employee, manager or business owner, having boundaries will enable you to increase productivity, lower work-related stress, maintain a reasonable workload, and sets an example for others; all of which can lead to a happier and healthier work culture.

Focus your energy

Sounds easy, but how can it work in practice? For me, it’s always been about finding a balance. Obviously in any job there are busier and quieter times, these should be taken into account, as well as understanding how and when you work best.

Here are some top tips for how to successfully set boundaries:

1.     Understand your workload and identify your job responsibilities. Then you will be able to notice if you're going off track, or are taking on additional responsibilities.

2.     Set priorities and take control of your workflow so you don’t miss deadlines, have last-minute rushes or spend too much time procrastinating.

3.     Delegate some tasks if possible as this will enable you to focus on other more important areas of your work, helping you to manage a reasonable workload while still maintaining productive work practices.

4.     Take a break, both during the working day by way of lunch time, coffee breaks and also remember to agree start and finish times, as well as taking time off for holidays etc.

5.     Agree limits in terms of hours, days and try to leave work-related tools at your office, meaning that you won’t be tempted to work in the evenings and weekends too.

6.     If you are self-employed and work from home, try to have a dedicated space to work, preferably with physical boundaries like an office with a door, so that at the end of your working day, you can walk away, close the door and leave anything outstanding until the next day.

7.     Develop and refine strong communication skills. This will allow you to express your thoughts to others both easily and clearly.

8.     Understand and respect other people’s work patterns and boundaries. Remember we are all different and don’t all work in the same way at the same time.

9.     Things won’t always go to plan. Prepare for confrontations or disagreements by understanding where you are willing to compromise, and try to remain calm and patient when you explain your limits and why they are there.

10.  Practice saying no. Remember you don’t need to say yes to everything, it is perfectly acceptable to decline some requests without feeling guilty.

If you want to improve your communication skills in the workplace so you are better able to set boundaries and appreciate other people’s boundaries too, then you may be interested in attending my free DISC taster workshop on Thursday 30th November from 12.00 noon until 1pm. To register simply click here