The workplace can be a challenging environment to navigate. From demanding bosses to oversharing colleagues, it can be easy for boundaries to be crossed and for your time to be taken for granted. Setting boundaries is critical to maintaining your self-respect and keeping your productivity level high. Here are some tips to help you set boundaries in the workplace while maintaining respect amongst your colleagues.

Setting Boundaries with a Manager

One of the most critical relationships in the workplace is the one that you have with your manager. As such, it is essential that you set clear boundaries with your manager to ensure that you do not become overworked and overburdened.

Do not be so available all hours of the day and night. It is essential to strike a balance between being available during working hours and being on call 24/7. Unless there is a legitimate work emergency, do not answer texts, calls, or emails outside of working hours. If anyone from work calls you out for being unresponsive outside of work hours, let them know that you make it a habit to unplug after hours.

Share how you prefer to communicate. Different people have different communication styles. Make it clear to your manager what your preferred mode of communication is. If your manager is too busy to sit down for a meeting, request an email exchange that provides sufficient detail. Emailed instructions will also provide documentation of what was shared.

Keep careful track of your hours. If you find that you are putting in twice as many hours as a colleague who is in the same position as you, it’s time to arrange a meeting with your manager to discuss it. Maybe you can be compensated for your overtime. If that isn’t an option, present solutions that set your boundaries.

Setting Boundaries with Colleagues

It’s not just your manager that you need to set boundaries with; it’s your colleagues as well. Here are some tips for setting boundaries with your coworkers:

Steer all personal conversations back to the task at hand. Discussion of personal matters should be limited to a few minutes on a Monday morning; otherwise, it can consume valuable meeting time. Always steer your colleagues back to the work discussion.

Lead by example. Keep all interactions professional by keeping any displays of strong emotion in check. Even if you feel strongly about something, resist the urge to yell or cry in front of your colleagues.

Keep discourse civil. Respectful communication is critical in the workplace. Use “please” and “thank you” often and call people by their preferred name. Do not get into ideological discussions that can devolve into political arguments.

Be transparent. Let coworkers know when you’re maxed out and need help, or could use more information. Your honesty will earn other’s trust.

Bow out early. Participating in socializing outside the office can enhance workplace camaraderie. However, limit your alcohol intake and listen more than you talk.

Setting Boundaries in a Toxic Workplace

In a toxic workplace, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself emotionally. Here are some tips for setting boundaries in a toxic workplace:

Refrain from adding to the toxicity. Resist the urge to commiserate with coworkers over bad bosses or colleagues. Take it up with the person one-on-one where there’s a chance that the relationship can be salvaged.

Refuse to add to the gossip mill. Rise above the office cliques. Walk away from coworker conversations whenever derogatory remarks are made.

Take all your available sick/mental health days. Credit yourself for showing up and doing your best work, but do not be a martyr.

Setting Boundaries for Yourself to Disconnect

Setting boundaries for yourself to unwind after work can be just as important as setting boundaries with your colleagues and your manager. Here are some tips for disconnecting:

Take a walk outdoors during your lunch break. Breathe in the fresh air and notice what’s around you.

Practice yoga. Connect to your breath to calm your mind, body, and spirit.

Make after-hours a “no work talk allowed” zone. Avoid discussing work outside of working hours.

Don’t work on your days off. Treat your personal time as sacred.

Spend time away from the screen. Turn off your computer and block notifications on your phone.

In conclusion, setting boundaries is essential for maintaining your self-respect, ensuring that you maintain productivity, and for creating a healthy work-life balance. By implementing the tips listed above, you can set boundaries in a way that maintains respect amongst your colleagues. Remember, it is okay to say no and to put yourself first.