Everyone has a job that they do, regardless of whether or not you get paid to do that job and one thing that has become increasingly problematic is how we are navigating our work-life balance and how we are holding boundaries around work. I’m not totally sure they were great to begin with, but the COVID years definitely created an additional layer of stress and mental health strain due to the idea that we were no longer working from home, we were living at work. And so now that we are coming out of the pandemic and going back to “normal” work-life balance, people are struggling to find the balance even more than they were several years ago. It is causing tremendous strain on our mental health. Our work life is never going to be satisfied with how much we can give to it, and so it is up to us to create and hold the boundaries that make work less of a situation where we feel unbalanced.
There are a lot of boundary issues that come up in people’s work lives, but what are some common boundary issues that people face in the workplace? One of the most common challenges people face is not knowing how to say "no" when they're asked to take on additional tasks or responsibilities. This can result in feeling overwhelmed and overworked and as if you are always working at a deficit and can never reach that balance point.
Another boundary issue that people often encounter is not knowing how to deal with difficult colleagues or supervisors. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and resentment, which can ultimately impact your job satisfaction and performance.
So, what can we do? Here are some tips to keep in mind when navigating boundary issues at work and each is a journal prompt if you want to explore a bit how it is impacting you and your work/life balance.
Learn to say "no." I’ve talked about this before, and why it is important to be assertive and communicate your boundaries clearly. Saying no to tasks that are outside of your job description or that you don't have the capacity to complete can help prevent burnout and reduce stress levels.
Set realistic goals. It's important to set goals that are attainable and aligned with your skills and abilities. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to feelings of failure and frustration, which can ultimately impact your motivation and job satisfaction.
Prioritize self-care. I’ve also talked about this before. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is essential for maintaining healthy boundaries. This can include taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that bring you joy outside of work.
Communicate effectively. Effective communication is key to establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries in the workplace. This means being clear and direct in your communication, listening actively, and responding appropriately.
Establish consequences for boundary violations. If someone repeatedly violates your boundaries, it's important to establish consequences. This can include having a conversation with them, involving HR, or even considering finding a new job. (This might be tricky if your job is as a stay at home parent).