How to Set Boundaries While Working Remotely
Feb 14, 2023 • 7 min read
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Work Boundaries
We understand that it is difficult to disconnect from your work life when you are working from your home. You just always have the urge to show up at work no matter what the circumstance is. However, it is not always best to let your work activities interfere with your personal well-being. Setting off boundaries and understanding when to stop is a great way to avoid being burnt out! Here are some instances when you need to keep yourself off your work.
1. Weekends and vacations should be work-free
Since you are working remotely with access to advanced technology that allows you to connect in your work all the time, you probably try to find a way to work on your tasks every chance you get even if you are on your day off and vacation. It is unlikely that your managers would reprimand you after working on your days off, especially because they probably have no idea that you are working or they just don’t have the time to check in. That is why setting boundaries on your own is important and making sure that you use this time to focus on your personal life.
2. Attend special occasions
Have you found yourself in the middle of a family event while working on your laptop? That is a no-no! Remote work is easy to bring anywhere as long as you have a laptop or any portable gadgets that are light and handy. You might be thinking that it is alright to just go on special occasions with your family or friends and bring your work with you but attending events that allow you to strengthen a personal relationship is a reasonable excuse to go on a day off.
3. Set a regular work schedule
When you don’t set specific work hours, we can assure you that it is easy for remote work to take so much time from your day. You probably wouldn’t notice that you are already working in the morning, afternoon, and evening, leaving no room to keep up with personal agendas. Since remote work offers flexible working hours, expect that your co-workers will never mind you working all day assuming that you are just making up hours. That is why setting your preferred work schedule will be beneficial to make sure that you can draw a line between your work and personal life. Make sure to log off after your work hours and start doing activities related to your private life.
4. Excuse yourself from work when necessary
Now, this one might be a little bit crucial as remote workers usually don’t like calling off from work even when it is totally needed. You probably still go to work even when you are burning from a fever out of guilt or just the will to finish your tasks. However, being out of work to take care of your health is important if you want to give your best and make sure that your well-being is prioritised. Remember when you need to call off from school because you were sick, it is the same thing! You don’t have to feel bad about excusing yourself from your manager as they would most likely understand your situation and will let you take your sick leave seriously.
Family and friends boundaries
Having a great work-life balance is not just about setting boundaries on your work but also ensuring that all the other factors in your life are aligned, including your loved ones. There are times when you need social interactions and there are times when you need to prioritise work. Thereby, learn when to focus on either of the two because dealing with them simultaneously might not be the best idea. To give you a better view of this topic, here are some examples!
1. Create boundaries between your family and workspace
If you are working at home with your family, you probably experienced being interrupted by your work. It might be hard to settle issues like this, but discussing some boundaries with your family is important. It might be hard when you are a parent since you would probably want to be around your kids but making certain arrangements and adjustments will totally help you thrive in your career. Perhaps, you can set a schedule when you have to work and make sure that they respect your work hours. If you have kids, you can choose to work on hours when they have school when there are fewer interruptions. You can also buy or create signs on your door, so older kids and adults at home know when to leave you alone when you are working.
2. Distinguish work and socialising.
Earlier, we discussed not bringing work when attending special occasions or having quality time with your friends or families. Now, you should keep in mind when to back away from building a strong bond with your loved ones when you need to focus on your work. Don’t worry! We are sure that your friends or family would be the most understanding when you need to prioritise some things at work. You wouldn’t want to be working while your friends are over, so better yet ask them to reschedule your quality time or make up with them next time.
3. Consider your housemates with your schedule
If you are working at home with your family, then it is given that you also work in their personal space. That is why it is best to also consider their situations when creating your work schedule. It wouldn’t be best if you and your sister are attending a video conference in the same room and at the same time. Planning ahead and communicating with your family on what will schedule work best for everyone is the best way to eliminate future altercations and problems.
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Personal boundaries
If you are going to set boundaries, it is also better to set one for yourself as well. There are times when internal interruptions are more difficult to deal with than those coming from the outside. Knowing when to be active in your work and your personal life is a great way to avoid juggling your different life roles.
1. Get ready for work
It is easy to open your devices when you want to work and shut them down when you get tired. You can even do your tasks from bed and while in your pyjamas, but is it really healthy for you? The answer is no! If you want to stay focused and have a better work-life balance, try getting ready for work like you are actually going to the office. You can set an alarm to get ready rather than waking up a minute before work. Put some semi-formal clothes or change into decent clothing aside from your jammies, so you’ll feel the essence of work life. The best way to enjoy what you are doing is to set the right mindset, so doing the extra effort to get ready for work will surely make you more productive.
2. Focus on your priorities
When you are working, your priorities are your work tasks and projects. After working, your priorities are yourself, house chores, and personal well-being. Focusing on one life role at a time is important to avoid mixing up your work and personal life. You might be working now and the next thing you know, you are scrolling on your phone for nearly an hour. Allotting time to focus on separate life roles will help you achieve better outcomes at work and improve your lifestyle.
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