Setting Professional Boundaries at Work

Setting healthy boundaries at work can be challenging due to technology and ever-changing workplaces. Setting a limit that defines a work relationship is more complex than doing the same thing in personal relationships. People are quick to take offense when they feel as though they are being disrespected. Professional boundaries are important in creating a healthy and balanced work setting.

…and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NIV

Professional boundaries can be for physical as well as emotional reasons. People do not want to be asked to do more than they feel capable of, nor do they want to be left out of office decisions. Mental boundaries can protect values and ethics. They protect us in our responsibilities as well as protecting our values.

Identifying and setting boundaries empowers us to share our abilities to do a good job with the assigned tasks. This will also help us learn to manage our time and complete projects on time.

When professional boundaries are clear the chance of them being overstepped is reduced. Expecting the workplace to be void of engagement can lead to work burnout. Proper boundaries can encourage minimal engagement while expecting productivity.

How to Set Professional Boundaries at Work

Many strategies can help set professional boundaries at work. The main goal of boundaries is to keep the work relationships healthy and productive.

Chose information wisely

Knowing your coworkers can be beneficial. However, there is a limit on how much personal information needs to be shared outside of the home. Some things like hobbies and pets can be shared without too much divulging.

Making friends with coworkers can be done outside of work so that there is no conflict in getting work tasks done during working hours.

Avoid gossip

Gossip is destructive and hurtful. It is always best to remove yourself from any form of office gossip. Talking about other people creates an unpleasant workplace and can lead to frustration. It’s okay to state that you do not wish to participate in office gossip and that you need to focus on your work.

Take lunch

Sometimes, working through lunch might be a necessity. Taking time to go to lunch can help refresh your mindset and increase afternoon productivity. There is also evidence that taking a few seconds between tasks can help maintain focus on positively getting through the work day.

Define hours of work

Work hours can be abused when there is a deadline. You must maintain the work hours that you expected when you accepted the position. One way to keep work from invading time at home is to make it known that you will not respond to correspondence after a certain time. Communicate your work hours to co-workers and let them know the expectations of working on a project.

Speak up

There will be times when a boundary is crossed. The simple way to handle this situation is to speak up and let the person know that you do have a boundary regarding the situation and that you do not appreciate the disrespect of that boundary.

It is important to keep the work environment pleasant and respectful. Create times for connecting and enjoying the workplace that will promote a healthy work environment yet keep boundaries for everyone in place.

Respect the boundaries of others

Co-workers also have the right to have boundaries in the workplace. These boundaries should be respected just as you expect yours to be respected. Be mindful that some people want to share more about their life and that it is their choice.

It is also important to know how to interact with co-workers due to culture. Sharing inappropriate jokes or stories could be considered crossing a boundary

Next Steps

Creating professional boundaries ensures that there is a positive work environment. This will help with office productivity and project completion. Setting boundaries can create a sense of respect and at the same time encourage a positive atmosphere. There are several ways to create professional boundaries depending on the workplace, expectations, culture, and interaction with clients or customers.

To get an in-depth plan to set professional boundaries at work, a Christian counselor can help. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today.