Get Better Work-Life Balance When You Set Workplace Boundaries

In this era of flexible work schedules, mobile communication, and technology that allows people to work anywhere, it’s become harder than ever to set healthy professional boundaries. Are you answering emails while having dinner? Typical. Taking a client call while grocery shopping? Nothing new. Being asked for updates during a weekend? That sounds about right. No wonder many feel overworked despite not being in the office.

The reality is, during this time of economic upheaval and job instability, many workers feel pressured to impress at work even if it means compromising one’s work-life balance. A previous survey found that up to 70 per cent of Singaporeans would respond to work calls and emails outside office hours. It is linked to the country’s notoriously competitive work culture, wherein bosses usually expect an immediate response when they want something done. 

The rise of remote and hybrid working has also caused employees to feel that they have to “make up” for not being in the office by being available any time, all the time.

The result: Boundaries break every day – and it’s starting to become the norm.

Why It’s Important to Set Boundaries

Simply put, boundaries refer to the “physical, emotional, mental limits you create to protect yourself from over-committing,” says Melody Wilding, LMSW, an award-winning executive coach. At work, these refer to the guidelines that workers implement personally to set clear lines between professional and personal life. These “rules” can significantly help workers excel both at work and in their home life.

That said, work boundaries can look different for every individual and vary greatly across job titles and industries. They’re also constantly changing as you and your work – and priorities – change. And while the pandemic had inadvertently skewed our sense of boundaries, it also helped shed light on what’s sustainable for the future of work, starting with an increased focus on self-care and mental health wellness. 

Here are the advantages of setting proper work boundaries:

• It sets clear expectations for everyone
• It reduces the risk of misunderstandings
• It improves processes, resulting in smoother workflows and better productivity
• It prevents overworking and burnout 
• It increases employee engagement and satisfaction
• It allows employees to thrive both in and outside the office

Types of Boundaries to Set

Not sure how and where to start? It’s necessary to familiarise yourself with the different types of boundaries first:

Physical boundaries

These relate to your physical workspace and your body – your rules and expectations on how your co-workers and bosses interact with you, often relating to space and touch. For example, you may prefer handshakes versus getting a hug, be physically unavailable for anything after 6 p.m., or be keen on being undisturbed when you have your headphones on. It’s okay to close shop, especially when you’re done with your deliverables.

Mental boundaries

These refer to how you protect your mental energy, which is incredibly crucial in helping you stay at the top of your game. The top considerations are your working hours, workload, and entitlement to breaks and days off – all of which can seriously impact your mental wellness.

Emotional boundaries

By setting emotional boundaries, you disallow other people’s attitudes and moods to affect you at work while keeping your emotions in check. Doing so helps you stay professional even during challenging situations, minimising disputes. 

Setting boundaries with your boss

It’s best to set boundaries early on – as early as during your interview process or onboarding session. By doing so, you can start with clear expectations and avoid getting thrust into a position where you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Be sure, however, that your asks remain reasonable lest you want the hirer to rescind your job offer at the last minute. 

Since there’s a power dynamic in play, talking to your superior about boundaries can be slightly tricky. But that’s not to say it’s something you should avoid. On the contrary, being open with your boss about such matters is highly encouraged—for your own sake. 

The key is to approach the conversation with empathy, taking into account their needs and expectations from your end. Good communication is also crucial, especially when dealing with a difficult boss. Moreover, you must remain professional—not defiant—as you stay firm in your boundaries. 

Tips on how to establish healthy professional boundaries

Ready to draw the line? Here, we’ve listed down ways to honour and implement your boundaries at work—whether you’re dealing with your boss, colleagues, and other work contacts.

1. Identify your boundaries first.

Setting work-life boundaries is about making commitments to yourself. The problem is most of us tend to put ourselves last, placing work and many other things higher on our list of priorities. 

Take time to assess what matters to you, then go from there. Maybe it’s your health, your relationship, or your kids. Whatever it is (or they are), use them as the anchor from which your work boundaries stem – and not the other way around. 

2. Communicate.

What is the primary reason so many boundaries break? We don’t speak up. So, if you’re keen to have yours recognised and respected, communicate your limits. That said, you don’t necessarily have to send out an email containing your list of “rules” for everyone you work with. (Please don’t.) You can simply state your limitations as the need arises. 

For example: Your boss creates a new team chat group for a big project. You can let your teammates know how excited you are to work on the deliverable, then inform them of your availability online (i.e. you won’t be able to answer messages after 6 p.m.) Strive to be straightforward while remaining courteous.

3. Use technology to your advantage.

If you’re feeling miffed about how technology has made it harder for employees to “escape” from work, consider a shift in perspective. Use technology to set the boundaries for you: Turn on auto-replies when you’re on leave or out of the office, use calendar blocking to make sure you go undisturbed for specific periods, and post project updates on Slack, Teams, or whatever work platform you use so everyone’s up to speed. The possibilities are endless.

4. Learn how to say no.

Saying no is much easier said than done, especially if you have ambitious career goals or simply want to keep your job. However, saying yes to everything can easily backfire. You can end up with too much to handle, making you more prone to making mistakes.

So how do you exactly say no, especially to your boss? A solutions-oriented response is the best comeback. Politely decline (and gently explain why you’re saying no or can’t take on additional work). Then suggest other ways to help, such as delegating it to someone else. This way, you can show your commitment while also drawing your limits.

5. Keep your relationships professional.

Sure, it’s good – necessary, even – to have friends at work. But you must also acknowledge that such relationships can be tricky and possibly be a source of drama, especially when personal issues get in the way. The same is true for office romances, which is largely why many companies have strict policies when it comes to dating within an organisation.

While it’s more than okay to cultivate healthy personal relationships in the workplace, make sure you draw the line when it comes to personal vs. work concerns. For example, just because you’re “close friends” with someone doesn’t mean you can let them coax you into doing their tasks, and vice versa.

6. Take real vacations, not working ones.

One of the best ways to set boundaries? Take time off and mean it. It means no checking your emails, no responding to WhatsApp messages, and no taking work-related calls. Your vacation leaves are there to be spent on an actual holiday because surprise, surprise – you need them.

In a podcast for Channel News Asia (CNA), JobStreet’s head of marketing, David Setiawan, talks about how bosses can lead by setting a good example. “Someone needs to cascade down this culture [and say], ‘Hey, I’m not gonna reply [to] you, I’m not gonna send you anything while I’m on holiday,’ says David. It empowers employees to prioritise their own R&R time, too and highlights the importance of personal boundaries for all.

Be Ready for Boundary-Breakers

Creating and setting boundaries is not a one-time thing. It’s something you must consistently enforce, especially when working with new people or in a new environment. Be prepared to experience some pushback, though, or encounter people who’ll constantly challenge your boundaries. Better communication is almost always the answer to such scenarios, coupled with lots of patience and understanding from your end.

If your boundaries are constantly being ignored and crossed, though, you may need to take more serious measures, such as bringing it up with HR or considering a change of work environment.

Visit our Career Resources page or download JobStreet’s app on the App Store and Google Play for more tips that can guide you in navigating your career. It also offers expert insights and advice that could help you manage your mental health and well-being in the workplace.