Canadians, now more than ever, better understand the value of establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. And just like how personal boundaries help us create peace of mind, safety, and mutual respect, the same is true for defining and maintaining professional boundaries!
Boundary basics
First, what is a boundary?
A boundary is an openly communicated expectation for appropriate behaviour that is needed to maintain a positive relationship. Boundaries are made to keep both parties safe, comfortable, and respected and are an essential aspect of maintaining positive relationships, and mental and physical health.
There are many different types of boundaries. Here are some of the most common:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Personal
- Mental
- Time
What is a workplace boundary?
A workplace boundary is any boundary relating in and around the workplace. This can include,
1. Expressing your own boundaries. For example:
“Because my working hours are between 9am to 5pm, I will only respond to work-related emails, texts, and/or phone calls within those hours. Therefore, if someone tries to contact me outside of those hours, I will not answer or respond and can instead look into prioritizing those inquiries upon my return to the office.”
2. Asking someone else about their boundaries. For example:
“What boundaries do you have about being contacted outside of your normal working hours? For example, if I need to ask you an important question or need help covering a shift when you are not in the office, are you okay if I contact you? If so, what method of communication do you prefer? Or would you want me to manage that issue on my own and/or seek support from someone else in the office in your absence?”
Benefits of workplace boundaries are that they will:
- Help you make a distinction between your work and personal life.
- Allow others to understand your comfort level.
- Support your positive mental and physical health.
- Show respect for yourself and others.
How to set workplace boundaries
- Be straightforward. For example, you can directly say “a workplace boundary of mine is…” or “I feel uncomfortable when…” or “something I am not able to do at this time is…”.
- Be firm. Don’t allow someone to make you feel bad for expressing your comfort level.
- Be clear. Words can mean different things to each of us. So be clear in what you are expressing. For example, instead of saying “don’t come in my office”, you could say “if my office door is shut, please do not enter my office as I am preoccupied and will be unable to assist at that time. Once it is open again, I will be happy to answer any questions.”
- Be kind. Boundaries are not an attack on someone else or you. They are a chance to openly express our expectations and comfort levels.
- Be understanding. When telling someone your boundary, be open to the other person asking for clarification or an explanation. For many workers, having direct conversations about workplace boundaries is new, so be aware that some may have questions.
What if someone doesn’t respect your boundary?
Whether in our personal lives or in the workplace, it feels terrible when someone doesn’t respect your boundaries. Whether intentional or not, this disrespect can erode relationships.
The first step is always to reiterate your boundary. Be clear, and concise. Also, many boundaries are done in “If…then I will…” statements, so communicate what your response will be if the behaviour continues. This differs from an ultimatum which uses threats as control, while boundaries focus on your own limits.
For example, a boundary statement that includes a reminder and communicated consequence includes:
“As I have communicated before, I use the pronouns they, them, and theirs and would like people to use them when speaking with and about me as this ensures I feel safe and recognized. If you continue to not use my correct pronouns, I will need to seek support from HR.”
Depending on the scenario, remove yourself from the situation, speak to a manager you trust, and/or go to HR for support when needed.
Final thoughts
If you leave this article with anything please let it be this: nothing is worth your mental and physical health, not even a job, and you always deserve respect.
Whether in a relationship or in the office, no one should make you feel overworked, uncomfortable, or like they are overstepping a line.
So be strong, be direct, and seek support when needed. Now go set those boundaries!
Julia Halabourda is an experienced Burnaby art and recreation programmer, educator (focus in the fine arts and theatre), and nonprofit writer. She has her Bachelor of General Studies from SFU’s Faculty of Education with Minors in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Psychology, and Social Justice in Education. She also has her Nonprofit Management Associate’s Certificate from BCIT. Julia has been writing with Charity Village since August 2020 and her past articles can be accessed here. Julia can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-halabourda/.
