Setting Boundaries at Work - Why is it Important and How is it done?
Setting boundaries is difficult for most people, particularly at work. However, deploying boundaries in the workplace is possibly the most imperative dynamic in which boundaries must be set. You may be afraid of saying no to your manager, for example, or be fearful that setting boundaries with your colleagues will make you appear as if you’re difficult or lack a “can-do” attitude.
These concerns are even greater for a group of professionals known as Sensitive Strivers, informed by being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). A HSP (a term coined by Elaine N. Aron, PhD.), or Sensitive Strivers in the context of the workplace are high-achievers who may describe themselves as perfectionists that think and feel everything more deeply than others. This is because HSPs/SS can be overwhelmed by their environment due to high perception or alignment with their senses. These characteristics make them empathetic and kind, but can lead them to become burnout and stressed from absorbing the emotions of those around them. This is is due to the fact that HSP/SS often have the desire to help people and therefore, overextend themselves.
Benefits of Setting Boundaries at Work
Whether or not you relate to being a Sensitive Striver, setting boundaries at work is one of the most important skills you can master, especially in a world with increasing workloads and non-stop demands from new workplace trends such as working from home or remotely.
After all, healthy limits free you up to interact with others in productive ways to respond to demands on your time and energy and focus on doing work you enjoy. In other words, boundaries exist to help you say “no” to situations, people, and goals that you don’t want or don’t serve you, so you can say “yes” to ones that do.
Setting boundaries at work can help you:
Increase your confidence and self-esteem because your value your desires and preferences
Create stronger relationships based on mutual respect with your managers, colleagues, clients, and collaborators
Achieve career gains like a higher salary, a promotion, or greater responsibility and influence.
How to Set Boundaries at Work
Creating healthy boundaries at work can be difficult because there’s the real worry of being demoted, sacked, or disliked for being “difficult”. Yet, with clear communication and practice, you can learn to set self-honouring limits without alienating people or losing your salary.
Figure out what needs to be changed: After gaining insight into problem areas, define your new boundary. Make a request of yourself or another person about what needs to change. For example, you might ask your direct reports to drop by your desk/office only during pre-set select hours rather than at all times of day. Or you may make a pact with yourself to contribute at least once during a meeting instead of sitting silently.
Communicate Clearly: Healthy boundaries aren’t meant to punish; they’re meant to be mutually beneficial and supportive. If you have to set a boundary with another person in the workplace, think of approaching the conversation like a negotiation. Ask your manager, colleague, or whoever you’re speaking with to describe the situation from their perspective as well as to keep the lines of communication open. You need to understand the other person’s needs and desires in addition to being up-front about your own perspective. Don’t get defensive; communicate assertively. Avoid accusatory language like “it’s not fair” and instead focus on making “I” statements that show you take responsibility for your actions.
Prepare for Pushback: Once you start establishing healthy expectations, others may react negatively. Boundary-crossers may get angry. This is to be expected. It’s a sign that the boundary is necessary and that it’s working effectively. Instead of viewing violations as setbacks, see them as opportunities to gain insight and improve on your boundary-setting. It’s helpful to anticipate these moments of violation. Visualise and plan your boundaries getting crossed and imagine how you’ll handle those situations. This way, when a moment like this comes up, you won’t be hijacked by your emotions. You’ll be able to handle it more rationally.
Setting boundaries at work takes time and practice. It may be nerve-wracking at first, but setting self-respecting limits will help you achieve a more balanced work and personal life over the long run.