Practising boundaries in your workplace

In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day and forget to take care of ourselves. Many of us work long hours, skip breaks, and sacrifice our personal time for the sake of our jobs. However, it’s essential to set boundaries in the workplace if we are to maintain our wellbeing and productivity.

Setting boundaries is critical to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Boundaries help us create a safe and comfortable environment where we can focus on our work without sacrificing our mental and physical health. 

Here are some practical ways to establish boundaries in your workplace:

1. Log off work at a reasonable hour: Many of us have a habit of taking our work home or working overtime, but this can be detrimental to our health. Set a realistic time to log off from work and stick to it. This will help you establish a routine and a framework for work-life balance., It will also reduce the chance of burnout.
2. Take breaks: It’s important to take regular short breaks throughout the day to recharge and refresh your mind. Breaks can help you refocus, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Make sure to take short breaks every hour or so and a more extended break for lunch.
3. Stretch and move: Sitting in front of a computer for extended periods can lead to stiffness and body aches. Take some time to stretch your legs and arms, move your neck and shoulders, stand up and walk around.
4. Go for a walk outside: Taking a walk outside can be an excellent way to refresh your mind and improve your mood. Getting some fresh air and sunlight can help reduce stress, increase focus, and boost feelings of wellbeing.
5. Don’t eat lunch at your desk: Eating lunch at your desk can be counterproductive. If you take a break and step away from your workspace during lunch it can help you relax and recharge. You can also use this time to connect with colleagues and build relationships.
6. Say no when needed: Setting boundaries means being able to say no when you need to. It’s okay to decline a request or delegate tasks to someone else if you feel overwhelmed. Learn to prioritise your workload and say no to things that don’t align with your goals and values.

Don’t believes us? Check out the stats!

Research has shown that setting boundaries in the workplace can have a positive impact on employee well-being and productivity. Here are some statistics that support the importance of establishing boundaries:

1. Long work hours and burnout: According to a study by the World Health Organisation, long working hours are responsible for approximately 745,000 deaths annually due to stroke and ischemic heart disease. Burnout, which is caused by prolonged stress, is another consequence of long work hours and can lead to physical and mental health problems.
2. Breaks and productivity: Taking breaks throughout the day can actually boost productivity. According to a study by DeskTime, the most productive employees work for 52 minutes and then take a break for 17 minutes. Taking breaks can help refresh the mind and increase focus, leading to improved productivity.
3. Outdoor activities and stress reduction: A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending time outdoors can help reduce stress levels. The study found individuals who spent just 20 minutes in nature experienced a significant reduction in cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.
4. Saying no and work overload: A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found saying no to requests at work can lead to improved well-being. The study found employees who had higher levels of job demands but lower levels of control over their work experienced greater stress and burnout.

By setting boundaries and practising self-care in the workplace, employees can improve their wellbeing, reduce stress, and increase their productivity. So, take some time to establish your boundaries and reap the benefits of a healthier work environment.