Redefining Work Boundaries
The way we engage with our jobs has undergone significant change in recent years, particularly with the rise of remote work. Many people have swapped commutes for more flexible routines, with the ability to work from home offering a range of benefits. While these changes bring positive aspects, they also come with their own set of challenges.
You may not have realised that, prior to working remotely, your work culture may have set up certain boundaries for you. For example, if you drove to work, that was designated commute time when you were unable to log onto your emails in the morning. If your work computer remained in the office each night, that was a boundary set up to stop you from continuing to work once home or after dinner.
So why are boundaries important?
Boundaries allow us to create a sustainable work-life balance. Without that balance, the risk of burnout may increase, job satisfaction may decrease, and our self-expectations may become unreasonable. Burnout can also reduce productivity and motivation. Boundaries are essential because they set the standard of what others can expect from you. If you constantly say yes to every piece of work, it’s likely that more and more work will be sent your way.
Implementing boundaries does not mean you aren’t doing a good job or turning down every piece of work. On the contrary, boundaries allow you to assess whether your workload is manageable. They provide space to evaluate your capacity and ensure sustainability within your role.
Reflect on your current work habits
Take a moment to consider what your typical workday looks like. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you log onto your emails first thing when you wake up in the morning?
- Are your work notifications enabled on your personal phone?
- Have your work hours extended beyond your usual schedule (without a change to your contract)?
- Do you often log back on after dinner to get more work done?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask yourself why. Do you feel anxious if you don’t frequently check your emails? Perhaps you feel the need to prove you are a “good worker” by being overly available. Or maybe you’re overwhelmed by your current workload and feel there’s no choice but to work late or start early. These are just a few examples of behaviours that can negatively impact your boundaries.
Tips for Strengthening Work Boundaries
Below are a few helpful tips to improve your work boundaries:
- Turn off your work notifications or work phone outside of work hours.
- Allow yourself time to wake up in the morning and avoid checking emails straight away.
- Choose a firm start and finish time for your workday.
- At the end of each day, shut down your computer and tidy up your workspace.
- Ensure you make time for a lunch break and avoid eating at your desk.
These tips might seem daunting or unrealistic, but consider the long-term sustainability of your current work routine. Is it working for you, or are you heading towards burnout?
Looking Ahead
Before you return to the office or review your current routine, take some time to reflect on the boundaries you’d like to establish in your work life. Every job is different, and every individual is unique. Sometimes, you may need extra support to explore what might be getting in the way of your boundaries. If you need assistance in creating a healthy work-life balance, the clinicians at Mind Up are here to help you develop a plan tailored to your needs.