Setting Boundaries at Work Doesn’t Have to be Risky

Setting boundaries at work can seem like a risky thing to do. Since there are a lot of misconceptions around setting boundaries at work, you may think people will view you negatively. 

A healthy work environment won’t occur if you’re wondering how you can better meet your own needs without putting your paycheck at risk. Maybe you’ve worried about how to tell your boss “no?” Felt anxious about in-person work? Or found yourself stuck in your career but didn’t know how to speak up for yourself?

Clearly communicating your boundaries can sound great in theory, but can often feel easier said than done because of fears of being demoted, fired, or simply disliked. But here’s the thing, when communicated with intention, setting boundaries can actually be a powerful act of compassion, allowing you to more deeply connect and collaborate with those closest to you. 

In short, boundaries can be summed up as: “This is what I’m ok with,” and this is “not what I’m ok with.” According to this BetterUp article, effective boundaries protect our personal space, our physical and mental health, and our safety and security.” In most cases, I find the workplace boundaries that employees struggle most fall into the emotional and intangible category, including topics such as management expectation, job responsibilities, and work-life balance.

3 of the most common misconceptions about Setting Boundaries at work

Here are a few of the most common misconceptions I hear from our clients when it comes to setting boundaries: 

• Creating boundaries at work is basically saying “my way or the highway” 

  Remember, boundaries are not fortresses. They are not set in stone, and they can change and evolve just as much as we do. Instead of thinking of the boundary you’re putting up as eternal and static, think of it more like a guardrail and something that can change direction as you go. 

  A perfect example: Creating time blocks in your calendar with no Zoom meetings. While you might ask your team or manager to adhere to this as much as possible, if something situational comes up you can also choose to be flexible! 
  

• “If I set boundaries, I’m afraid I’ll push people away” 

  Our favorite example? Choosing to stay out of the office gossip or drama. While it can feel worrisome that you could alienate yourself if you don’t participate in these conversations, what if the opposite was true? What if by creating this boundary, your colleagues respected, trusted, and connected with you more? As much as we talk about the golden rule to treat others the way we want to be treated, we think the platinum rule is even more powerful: Treat others how they would want to be treated. 
  

• “What if I come off as just being difficult…” 

  Grounding yourself in Strength-based work can help you stand firm in the value you bring to your role, as well as give you more awareness around what you need most to thrive at work. For example, if your boss keeps piling on requests, try saying something like “If I spend my time on x, there won’t be enough time to do y.”  This will demonstrate not only your self-awareness around what it takes for you to get exceptional work done, but it will ultimately lead to a better relationship with your manager as there won’t be any underlying resentment. 

Learn more about setting boundaries at work with Leadology's workplace communication experts

Giving people the space to communicate their boundaries is ultimately the greatest act of compassion we can offer ourselves and others. Remember, if you're finding setting boundaries at work a little difficult that it takes intention and compassion. If you’re looking for tools that can help you intentionally clarify, communicate, and constructively honor your boundaries, learn more about our Dare to Lead™️ facilitations.

Creating and setting your boundaries takes intention and compassion. If you find setting boundaries at work a little difficult, head over to our Instagram page @getleadology and check out this reel we created where we squash more misconceptions around creating boundaries. 

Make sure you join in the conversation and let us know in the comments what boundaries you are working on!