Setting Boundaries in the Workplace
“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.” —Brené Brown, researcher, author, motivational speaker
Anyone else been burned out? 🙋♀️
Setting boundaries is one of the best ways to care for yourself and others. But what are boundaries, really?
Boundaries are simply learning to live with freedom and responsibility, not guilt.
Don’t know where to start?
If you or your team has thought:
“I’m the responsible one; if I didn’t do it, who would?”
“I struggle telling people ‘no’ at work.”
“I feel guilty if I take a break or use my vacation days, so I rarely do.”
Then keep reading for some tips on setting healthy boundaries.
It’s important to remember that leaders should be setting examples for healthy boundaries at work. This means that, if you are a leader, how you respond to different situations impacts how employees feel about their own freedom and responsibility.
If an employee starts setting boundaries with you or team members and you, the leader, react with anger, you risk damaging morale, productivity, and engagement.
Sit with that a second.
Now, how do we set healthy boundaries? Here are a few ways:
Set clear expectations and communicate them
Prioritize self-care and managing stress levels
Use respectful but assertive communication, and say “no” when necessary
Seek support for boundary violations without “brushing them under the rug”
If this is something you struggle with, click here to get on our calendar for a free virtual meeting. We’re happy to talk things through. ❤️
