How To Set Boundaries At Work Without Jeopardizing Your Career

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How To Set Boundaries At Work Without Jeopardizing Your Career

By Caroline Castrillon | Forbes Magazine | Feb 11, 2024

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Do you continue to take on any extra work your manager throws at you even when you’re at your breaking point? When your workload exceeds your capacity, it can lead to anxiety, stress and even burnout. In fact, burnout from workplace stress is at an all-time high, with 42% of the workforce reporting it, according to the latest Future Forum Pulse report. One group especially susceptible to burnout is women.

Fortunately, you don’t need to accept every work request to maintain job security. By following these tips, you’ll soon turn “yes” into a confident “no” without risking your career.

1. Shift Your Mindset.  The first step in creating boundaries is to shift your mindset. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish. It’s a necessity. Instead of giving your power away to your boss, take it back by setting healthy limits. Boundaries are imperative because they create safety, protect your well-being, promote healthy relationships and enhance your self-esteem. 
2. Define Your Priorities.  Before setting boundaries at work, define your values and priorities. Ask yourself whether they have shifted over time. For example, you might have gone from being child-free to raising twins in the span of a year. Or perhaps you find yourself caring for an aging parent. Another priority might be your own well-being.
3. Determine Your Limits.  Once you define your values and priorities, it’s time to set your limits. To start, label your boundaries as hard or soft. Hard boundaries are the ones you refuse to compromise on. Soft boundaries are flexible. They are considered “nice to have” versus must-haves. For example, if you need to spend evenings with your kids, you may prefer not to check email after 6 pm. If an urgent work matter arises, this might be considered a soft boundary. 
4. Communicate And Be Consistent.  Boundaries at work should be communicated clearly, confidently and often. Don’t just explain what your boundaries are but also why you need them. Be honest so that your manager and colleagues understand your perspective. Also, define your terms. For instance, if you don’t want to be contacted on vacation unless it’s urgent, outline what constitutes an emergency. Finally, your boundaries will inevitably get violated at some point. When that happens, address it immediately. 
5. Practice Saying No.  If you feel uncomfortable saying no, that’s okay. Sometimes, it just takes practice. Start by testing out your “no” muscle in less intense situations. Some examples include saying no to the street vendor trying to sell you something or letting your friend know you won’t be able to make it to her party. There are appropriate ways to say no in a work setting (without using the word “no”) e.g., “I would love to join you at the conference, but that week is my daughter’s birthday and I can’t miss it.”

3 key takeaways from the article

1. Do you continue to take on any extra work your manager throws at you even when you’re at your breaking point? When your workload exceeds your capacity, it can lead to anxiety, stress and even burnout. In fact, burnout from workplace stress is at an all-time high, with 42% of the workforce reporting it, according to the latest Future Forum Pulse report. One group especially susceptible to burnout is women.
2. Fortunately, you don’t need to accept every work request to maintain job security. By following these tips, you’ll soon turn “yes” into a confident “no” without risking your career.  Shift Your Mindset. Define Your Priorities.  Determine Your Limits.  Communicate And Be Consistent. Practice Saying No.  
3. Setting boundaries at work is essential to long-term well-being and career success. When you ignore them, you give away your power. But when you reinforce them, you teach others how to treat you.

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Topics:  Organizational Behavior, Personal Development, Personal Care