Boundaries at work – Photo credit: chattocherry.com

Setting boundaries at work is no easy feat, yet it’s necessary, especially in the workplace! Finding balance in your work and life involves establishing these boundaries in an effective way that allows us to get work done, yet still have a life!

Working late, taking on an extra load of work, covering for co-workers do happen, but they should be the exception and not the rule here. Unfortunately in today’s “intensive” workplace, it happens more often than not, and is most often the responsibility (and burden) of the employee to set a reasonable limit to.

I’ve been there, trying to impress my boss and team on a new job, or prove that I was as valuable as others by working late, taking on extra work, and all around biting on more than I could chew. If you’re there right now, here are a few valuable tips I was taught along the way:

1. YOU set the tone! Yes, it’s actually your responsibility to set the tone at work. Leave on time whenever possible, avoid the face time trap at work! There will be times when you’ll have to stay late or take on more work, certainly. In the meantime, start setting the tone around what you are willing to do, and what you are not!

2. Speak Up! Have a conversation with your boss about job expectations, and be honest! If you’d like to make it home for dinner, or your gym class, introduce the idea that these are important to you. Reassure your manager and team that your work will be done on time and during regular hours.

3. Re-evaluate your schedule regularly! Efficiency is key here! Every so often, take a look at your schedule and re-evaluate what you spend your time on. Many meetings are a pure waste of time, so start shaving some of the extra weight. If you’ve already proven yourself, you may want to clarify with your boss when assignments and projects are really due, so as to prioritize better.

If all your efforts at setting boundaries and prioritizing your work are falling on deaf ears, it may be time to start sending out your resume…

How do you set boundaries at work?

The Corporate Sis.