There are many things that we don’t really think about when it comes to our work environments. Among those things is setting boundaries. For most, our boundaries are set for us by those around us, because we simply don’t think about our boundaries. Usually, boundaries are set by those in charge of the work environment in an unspoken fashion, and we adhere to or put up with them.
There are usually underlying assumptions about what’s okay to do. Instead of allowing the boundaries to automatically be set by others, we have to determine and set our own boundaries when it comes to our environment, our time, ourselves and others. Start by observing the current boundaries in your work environment. What boundaries exist? What boundaries do you have when it comes to your environment? If you’re in an environment where you work with other people, think about the number of times can you remember just recently when someone has crossed boundaries with you. If that behavior is accepted within the environment, you may have not responded to that coworker, acquaintance or boss who crossed your boundaries. Not communicating that your boundaries have been crossed, has you give up your personal power.
When you’re working with others the work environment boundaries can be a bit tricky because there may be existing assumptions about what’s okay to do and what’s not okay to do, and about who is allowed to determine those things. The assumptions are underlying and based upon societal values. They grow out of a relationship that isn’t based on equality. The assumptions are never discussed.
Think about your boundaries as they relate to your time and on a personal level. When it comes to your time, learn how to say “no”. Use it tactfully and often. Determine what things you won’t do and create a not-to-do list based upon your own boundaries. Think about boundaries as they relate to you personally. Make yourself a priority. If you don’t take care of you first, you can’t take care of anything else. Think about the things that you will allow and won’t allow others to do.
If you don’t have boundaries set or you accept assumed boundaries, it’s time to create them and let other people know they exist. To get started, think about the following things:
- What things do you want to limit?
- What boundaries do you want to create in your environment, around your time and personally?
- Choose a boundary you want to create and think about the steps you need to take.
- Map out the process then carry it out. Do the same for each area you’re creating boundaries for. Make sure that when your boundaries are crossed that you communicate effectively so that it doesn’t continue to happen
- As time moves forward, review how you’re doing with your boundaries, what’s working, what’s not working and make any necessary shifts.
Having boundaries impacts your productivity because they set the limit for what you will and will not do. Internal boundaries protect your priorities and external boundaries protect your relationship with yourself. Boundaries refine work/life balance and keep you from giving away your personal power.