How to set boundaries at work - and why it matters.
In today's always-on work culture, setting boundaries isn't just a luxury. It's a necessity that needs to be treated as non-negotiable. Chronic overwork, constant after-hours communication, and relentless stress can lead to burnout, are have you flirting dangerously close to the line. But with intentional boundary setting at work, you can maintain space for the things that recharge you.
Recognizing the Need for Boundaries
Burnout is often a result of systemic issues in the workplace. When you're always "on," your physical health, emotional resilience, and productivity can suffer. And the reality is, none of us are at our best when we are in a state of constant overwhelm. Establishing clear boundaries helps protect your energy and allows you show up as the best version of yourself, feeling rested and ready to take make meaningful contributions to your team. For more about what happens when chronically stress out, check out our “Impact of Chronic Stress” Guide.
If you find yourself saying "yes" to every request, working late regularly, or feeling resentful about your workload, it's time to evaluate your boundaries.
Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries
Set clear expectations with your Manager: Set specific start and end times for your workday, and communicate them to your team. Proactively flag to your manager if late night or weekend boundaries are not being respected, and talk through ways to course correct.
Push back on Fire Drills: Understanding that things up and we need to flexible to deal with last minute requests or high priority opportunities, urgency should be the exception, not the every day norm.
Limit After-Hours Communication: Turn off work notifications outside of your designated hours to prevent burnout. It feels hard, but getting into a habit of NOT checking will give you the mental space you need to reset every day.
Schedule Focus Time: Block out periods in your calendar dedicated to deep work, and treat them as non-negotiable meetings. Take time at least 1x weekly to reevaluate upcoming priorities to ensure you have enough deep focus time to meet the upcoming work deliverables you need to accomplish.
Learn to Say No: We want to be helpful. We want to say yes to every coffee chat. But unfortunately we have limited time, and if we want to maintain time for focus and for rest, it’s essential we’re aware of how many things we can say yes to in a given week. Create a habit of having 2-3 ‘extra’ blocks, that you reserve for networking, one-off requests, or special projects that you’re being asked to advise on. Once this is maxed, it’s OK getting into a habit of gently saying No or Not right now.
Embracing Discomfort for Long-Term Gain
Setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable, especially if you're used to being constantly available. However, this discomfort is temporary and leads to long-term benefits for your health and career. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. At unBurnt, we're here to support you in creating a sustainable work-life balance. By setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, you can protect your well-being and thrive in your professional life. For more tactics to build self-awareness and strengthen your stress-busting, check out our Wellness Hub for free resources.
Please note: this is generalized advice intended to be helpful in thinking through a framework of boundaries at work. If you do not feel comfortable approaching your manager or implementing any of these tactics, please use your best judgement based on your individual circumstances.