The ideal workplace offers career growth and mentorship. Your boss is a big part of your journey, so getting along well with them is important. Above all else, you must learn to establish boundaries with your boss at work.
Doing so will determine whether you have a pleasant or toxic office relationship. It is too easy for the lines to get blurred and certain responsibilities and expectations to be misunderstood or placed.
Why You Need To Establish Boundaries With Your Boss And Work
Everyone should know how to set workplace boundaries because the environment and dynamics greatly impact mental health. You have to do your job 40 hours per week, which entails plenty of interaction and discussion with your boss.
Your boss is responsible for making tough decisions, delegating projects and mentoring you. Around 55% of American workers say their manager or supervisor is excellent to work for. Many workplaces have a good and caring boss.
Unfortunately, there are instances when bosses are a little too pushy. Workaholics may seek the same level of dedication and effort from their team members without considering what it takes away from them. It may even reach points where they don’t appreciate your work because they expect it from you.
If you feel put off by this, know you’re not alone. About 79% of employees prefer staying at a job where they feel valued and part of a team, even if they earn less. Establish boundaries with your boss at work and create that space so you can continue contributing without pressure.
Setting Boundaries With Your Boss
Determining how to set boundaries with your boss can be challenging. Consider following these guidelines to learn what you need to do.
1. Shift Mindset
Setting boundaries sometimes gets a bad reputation in the corporate world since it usually means you’re giving less than your all to a job. It’s important to stray from this mindset. Boundaries are present to preserve your mental well-being and avoid burnout.
Change what setting boundaries looks like. Employees have little to no control or influence over a boss’s behavior unless they’re open-minded. You can tailor your responses to put your peace of mind first.
2. Clarify Your Role When You Establish Boundaries With Your Boss
Your contract is a great point of reference for your initial boundaries. Discuss this with HR or your boss to set clear expectations. Here are the points you should mention:
- Work arrangements: Your working arrangements can influence how comfortable you will be in your job. Will you work from home or in an office? Are there frequent work trips you need to attend for your career?
- Work hours: Every person’s work schedule is different depending on their field and assignment. Ask what hours you need to clock in and out. Discuss which days of the week are for work or rest.
- Deliverables: Understand your main responsibilities to know whether tasks don’t align with what’s expected of you. You can also ask about the main deliverables your office needs.
3. Have Clear Communication
You must communicate clearly to establish boundaries with your boss. Expressing what’s on your mind about your workload and other concerns is vital. Explain how you want to achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Aim for assertiveness when communicating with your boss. This communication style focuses on confidence and respectfulness simultaneously. Avoid being passive-aggressive, which can lead to more tension.
4. Keep Things Professional
Some work leaders may try to pry into an employee’s personal life when they file for leave or take too long on a certain task. Avoid panicking and keep calm. You can say you need time off to regain your focus or are overwhelmed.
You don’t have to bring personal matters into the office unless you feel comfortable doing so. Even then, you can limit the details you share.
5. Learn When to Say No
Some bosses take advantage of their authoritative position and impose excess responsibilities on employees. If you feel it will help your career growth, you’re more than welcome to take on the task. However, you can always decline.
A simple no should be enough. If your boss asks you to elaborate, you can say you need to focus on your main responsibilities and assert that it’s outside of your job description. Doing so is a important way to establish boundaries with your boss.
6. Avoid Clocking in on Rest Days
Rest days are sacred for refreshing the mind. The norm is to have at least two days off weekly. However, about 77% of U.S. workers appreciate a four-day workweek option because it would improve their well-being. While this is not available in every office, you should still take advantage of your mandatory time off.
Switch your work devices and notifications off. You can even put your phone on silent mode to avoid calls or texts from your boss. Use the time to recuperate from work and focus on hobbies.
7. Practice Active Silence When Needed
Sometimes, setting boundaries with your boss at work goes beyond words. The art of active silence can communicate so much more than you think. There’s no need to include unnecessary chatter during serious discussions. Pausing can convey seriousness and impact. The quiet allows your boss to listen and understand your position as well.
8. Keep Your Boundaries With Your Boss Consistent
Some bosses think they must wear you down before you act according to their demands. Keep your head high and maintain your boundaries throughout your career. This will solidify your reputation as an employee who puts your mental health first. Leaders and co-workers will remember it as time goes on.
Find Work-Life Balance With Superiors
It’s important to realize how to set boundaries at work and implement them in your everyday life. They give you breathing room to be diligent without dealing with toxic work behavior from your boss.
When you establish boundaries with your boss this means you prioritize your peace of mind, and ultimately productivity will follow.
