The Concept of Workplace Boundaries
Workplace boundaries and I are besties. After making my great escape from a toxic work environment, I promised myself at my next place of employment that I would be firm on my work boundaries. Work calls outside of working hours, coworkers following me on social media, asking me to take on extra work to cover for a role that CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE FILLED… doesn’t sit right with my spirit. So I set the boundaries and it has been a breath of fresh air and amazing for my mental health. I recommend you do the same because you work to live, not live to work. If you are a bit apprehensive about setting boundaries, know that there are actual benefits for you and your company in setting boundaries.
Prevents Burnout: Setting work boundaries helps to prevent burnout, which can occur when we overwork ourselves and neglect other areas of our lives, such as our personal relationships or hobbies. By setting clear limits on our work activities, we can ensure that we have time for rest, relaxation, and self-care.
Improves Productivity: When we have clear work boundaries, we can focus more effectively on our work tasks and avoid distractions or interruptions. This can lead to increased productivity and better quality work output.
Promotes Work-Life Balance: Work boundaries help us to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is essential for our overall well-being. By creating a clear separation between work and other areas of our lives, we can avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed by work-related issues.
Enhances Self-Esteem: When we set boundaries around our work activities, we are demonstrating self-respect and self-care. This can enhance our self-esteem and sense of self-worth, as we are prioritizing our own needs and values.
Overall, work boundaries are important for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By setting clear limits on our work activities, we can ensure that we are able to perform at our best, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and lead fulfilling lives.