Boundaries in a Workplace
The typical understanding of workplace boundaries is in relation to sexual harassment or misconduct. Yet, work-life balance, excessive job pressure, and overwork are only a few examples of the many workplace challenges that need clear boundaries in order to protect employees' mental health, productivity, and ability to integrate their work and personal lives.
In this brief article, we will go into some of these issues and discuss the ways professionals can establish appropriate boundaries related to their professional lives in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance, safeguard their mental health, and manage a successful professional life.
My clients often tell me that they had to work from home after dinner every night to get their work done, or that they had trouble disconnecting from work during a long weekend with their family because of phone calls.
While it may make sense to put in extra hours or answer urgent calls on the weekend on occasion, is this the norm? Having worked with professionals at many levels of the organization, I can say with confidence that this is not always the case.
Sometimes it is difficult to realize that you can be a dedicated, hardworking professional and yet maintain healthy boundaries in your professional life. In order to improve your performance at work, for yourself, and in other relationships, it is important to set boundaries. This is true whether you are in an environment that supports a work-life balance or not. Working excessive hours isn't always a sign of a toxic work environment; sometimes, it stems from insecurities and a need to prove oneself.
Establish Rules
When setting boundaries in your personal or professional life, discipline must come from within, regardless of the environment. Take, for example, the job of a salesperson or an artist. Employees typically end up working more hours than expected because, once they get into a groove with their job, it's hard to keep track of time. The outcomes are identical regardless of the driving factors.
Make discipline a part of your life whether you're an employee or an entrepreneur. Do not stray from the schedule, even if you have a side project to attend to. Try to put yourself in the shoes of someone who needs time to recharge and reset in order to perform better the following day.
Define Your Scope
Working on weekends is sometimes necessary, and there are some work-related issues that you just can't escape. As a general guideline, though, you should handle it tomorrow if it isn't losing money. The employees and the entrapreneurs are both affected by this. No work, including formal calls, on weekends; that much is clear. Just let your boss know that you won't be available on weekends if you can get some menial tasks done. In most cases, these limits are honored by employers.
Instead of addressing the external pressures that they face, professionals often put unnecessary stress on themselves. Acknowledge when you're placing undue stress on yourself.
Put Your Personal Life First Away from Work
Paying too much attention to just one part of work-life balance might lead to a downward spiral. Many professionals, in their pursuit of excellence, neglect their personal lives, including their emotional and physical well-being, interests outside of work, and relationships with loved ones.
Focusing and devoting yourself to your profession and goals is essential, but so is ensuring that your personal life and demands are balanced. Make time for things other than work, such as self-care, hobbies, loved ones, and goals.
Be in the Right Fit
Determine if you're happy where you are in your current position. It is not uncommon for professionals to become mired in a job or setting that they despise. Working relentlessly for a long time in a job that doesn't suit your personality type might lead to frustration and a wasted effort.
Understand your career aspirations and map out the path to achieving them. Seek the support of a coaching professional who can help you on your journey.
For more information on coaching programs, please visit www.almawellbeing.com.
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