Colleagues’ relationships are important, but maintaining healthy relationships with co-workers is crucial for a productive and successful work environment. Establishing boundaries, however, is necessary to prevent burnout, protect your time, and promote mutual respect. A boundary shows you where you end and where someone else begins, which gives you a sense of ownership. Boundaries are similar to property lines. Here are six ways you can maintain boundaries with colleagues in your workplace.
6 Tips for Setting and Maintaining Boundaries at Work
Review Existing Workplace Boundaries
If you’ve never set boundaries before, it can be difficult to determine what they are. To begin, consider answering the following questions, which frequently point to boundary violations: Where do you feel overloaded at work? What do you find yourself complaining about to friends and family? Have you ever fantasized about quitting your job? If yes, what issues triggered those thoughts? Take the information you’ve obtained from these questions and determine where (if possible) you might set boundaries to alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
Develop Good Communication Skills
Never assume that the colleagues you work with “just know” or should know. Except for apparent violations of basic human decency and workers’ rights, colleagues may not recognize they are crossing a border unless you explicitly state it. Colleagues may expect others to recognize a boundary based only on how the individual acts. You might sigh deeply when a coworker snatches the stapler from your desk without asking, or remain mute when someone speaks over you during meetings. It is preferable to address the infraction calmly, firmly, and compassionately.
Master the Art of Saying No
While a hard “no” is always an appropriate answer to a colleague who is pushing your boundaries, you should strive to retain good relationships and keep your job. Learning to say “no” without burning bridges is a valuable ability that begins with acknowledging your right to maintain your boundaries by denying someone’s request.
Resolve Boundary Violations in Real Time
When someone unavoidably breaks your boundaries, it is best to correct them as soon as possible. Speak up at the moment, set boundaries, and find peace. Silence can convey the impression that you approve of what others say or do. Saying something is preferable to saying nothing.
Remove Yourself From Toxic Situations
Boundaries revolve around you and what you control, but they cannot fix an unhealthy environment on their own because how colleagues behave is outside of your control. In toxic situations at work, it’s best to remove yourself from the situation whenever possible. For example, if a colleague is constantly roping you into gossip that you don’t want to be a part of, avoid eating lunch with them. Set your Slack status to “away” so your team knows when you are not accessible.
Prepare To Walk Away
When you set boundaries in a network, you may discover that some colleagues are hesitant to follow your rules. That is okay! You don’t have to stay in a relationship that isn’t good for you or is making things worse for everyone involved. If someone frequently makes you feel horrible about yourself or treats others poorly, they are generally not worth your time and energy.
Final Thoughts
Setting boundaries with colleagues helps in maintaining a healthy, productive, and respectful work environment. Assess the existing state of your workplace boundaries. Develop good communication skills by verbalizing your boundaries. Master the art of saying “No,” Resolve boundary violations in real-time. Remove yourself from toxic situations to prevent burnout and maintain a work-life balance. Remember that setting boundaries is not- being confrontational, creating distance or isolation, being rigid, and ignoring others’ needs.
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