Setting Boundaries While Working From Home
When work and life were in two separate spaces, setting boundaries was a more manageable but still challenging process. Throw in a pandemic, working from home more often than not, and distance learning and boundaries can become almost nonexistent.
All of us have people in our lives who test our boundaries, whether it’s your boss, a colleague, or family members. Whoever they are, it’s important to not only set boundaries but defend them whenever necessary. Your productivity and sanity depend on it.
Step 1 – Create a Dedicated Workspace
This is the most important step because if this isn’t done upfront, your entire house can become your workspace. Don’t execute this step by recreating your in-office space, instead create a space that works for you at home. Declutter the area physically and digitally, including the organization of your emails, your calendar, and tasks. Think you can just create a dedicated workspace without decluttering? You must love stressing yourself out. According to the Harvard Business Review, less clutter decreases stress and anxiety and will help you focus more effectively at work.
Step 2 – Come to an Agreement Upfront
One of the key benefits of working from home is the flexibility, but that doesn’t mean you have to be on the clock around the clock or stick to a strict 9-5 schedule. Figure out your work hours and home hours, communicate it to all parties affected, and don’t stray. It’s also a good rule of thumb to block off time in your calendar when need be, especially if you don’t tend to work “normal” business hours or have a team that reports to you. Everyone in your professional and personal life should be on the same page.
Step 3 – Stick to a Routine
Did you previously have a commute that you read during, listened to podcasts during, or caught up with friends or extended family members via phone during? Find the time to stimulate the beginning or end of your workday the same way you did when your commute wasn’t from the kitchen to the spare room. When you were going into the office, you probably got ready. Working from home doesn’t mean you have to get dressed to the nines, but it does mean you should still get yourself together and then jump into your yoga pants or sweaties. A good morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Step 4 – Be Okay with Saying “No”
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you’re always available to those in your household, and it also doesn’t mean you should respond whenever someone in the office needs something. Defend your boundaries and tell people “no” when something doesn’t fit within your routine or schedule. Still, keep your reputation as someone dependable by indicating when you are reachable or able to help someone out. Delaying your “yes” might be saying “no” at the moment, but if you communicate when you are available to help someone with something, you still hold the role of team player.
Step 5 – Discuss Before You Cross Boundaries
If for some reason, you need to break your routine or any previously agreed-upon boundaries, bring all those into the conversation who need to be. This ensures that they can depend on you when it comes to being transparent and honest. Have a sick child at home and are 30 minutes away from giving a virtual presentation? Communicate with everyone involved and come up with a solution. You don’t want your time wasted, nor do you want to do anything that wastes anyone else’s time.
What strategies do you use to effectively set boundaries at work and at home? Share your thoughts by commenting below.