Let’s be honest, most of us don’t learn about professional boundaries until we’ve already overstepped them, burned out, or found ourselves carrying everyone else’s workload but our own.
For those of us working in social impact, care-based, or community-driven roles, the lines can blur even more. We care deeply about what we do. We want to show up for people. But that doesn’t mean we should always be available, or say yes to everything, or answer emails at 10pm.
Boundaries aren’t cold or corporate, they’re an act of self-respect. They protect our time, energy, and wellbeing so we can do the work we love without losing ourselves in the process.
In this article, I want to share some simple, grounded tools for recognising, setting, and sticking to healthy boundaries at work. Not just for our own sake—but for the kind of workplaces we want to help build.
Understanding Professional Boundaries – What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
Professional boundaries are the limits we put in place around how we work, how we communicate, and how we look after ourselves in work relationships. They might sound formal, but they’re really about clarity, respect, and sustainability.
Clear boundaries:
- Help us avoid burnout
- Make roles and responsibilities clearer
- Reduce resentment or confusion
- Encourage a healthier, more respectful team culture
When they’re absent, we can end up feeling overwhelmed, taken for granted, or emotionally drained. Sound familiar?
The Five Key Types of Boundaries at Work
Let’s break it down. These are the types of boundaries I see crop up most often in work settings:
- Time Boundaries
Being clear about when you’re working and when you’re not. That means finishing on time, taking lunch breaks, and not feeling guilty for switching off. - Emotional Boundaries
Caring doesn’t mean carrying everything. We need to manage how we support colleagues, while not taking on their emotional state. - Physical Boundaries
Respecting personal space, comfort levels, and knowing when it’s okay to say “I’d rather not hug today, thanks”. - Digital Boundaries
Turning off notifications after hours, not feeling pressured to respond immediately, and creating space away from screens. - Conversational Boundaries
Knowing which topics are (and aren’t) appropriate at work, and feeling safe to avoid personal conversations that feel intrusive or draining.
These aren’t rules—they’re reference points to help us reflect on what’s working and what’s not.
Assessing Your Current Boundaries
Start with Honest Reflection
If you’re not sure where your boundaries currently sit, start by asking yourself:
- Are there moments at work where I feel stretched too thin?
- When do I say “yes” even though I mean “no”?
- Are there situations that leave me feeling frustrated, exposed, or exhausted?
Journalling these moments can help. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just jot down times you’ve felt uncomfortable or compromised. Look for patterns. That’s where your boundaries are nudging you to pay attention.
Signs Your Boundaries Might Be Too Loose
Here are some red flags that suggest your boundaries might need tightening:
- You’re regularly working late without being asked, and no one’s noticing
- You feel guilty for taking annual leave or logging off at 5pm
- You say “yes” to extra tasks when your plate’s already full
- You find yourself dreading interactions with certain colleagues or clients
- You’re emotionally worn out by things that shouldn’t be yours to carry
If any of these are landing a bit too close to home, know that you’re not alone and you can shift the dynamic.
Steps to Set Effective Boundaries
1. Know Your Limits
The first step is getting clear on what you need to work well and feel good.
- What do you need in a typical day to stay grounded?
- What values are non-negotiable for you? (E.g. respect, honesty, flexibility)
- What are you no longer willing to tolerate?
Boundaries aren’t about building walls, they’re about honouring your values and needs.
2. Speak Up, Calmly and Clearly
This bit takes practice, but it gets easier with time. Use clear, respectful “I” statements to express your needs.
Instead of:
“You always message me late!”
Try:
“I’m not available outside of work hours, so I’ll respond in the morning.”
Instead of:
“I’m too busy for this!”
Try:
“I don’t have capacity to take that on right now. Can we revisit it later?”
You don’t need to over-explain or apologise. Being honest and direct is enough.
3. Stick With It
One of the hardest parts of boundary setting is holding the line. You’ll probably have to repeat yourself. That’s okay.
- Be consistent in how you reinforce your boundaries.
- If someone forgets or oversteps, gently remind them.
- If it becomes a pattern, it’s okay to escalate or seek support.
The more you honour your own boundaries, the more others will learn to respect them too.
Maintaining Boundaries Over Time
1. Check in with Yourself
Every so often, pause and ask:
- How are my boundaries holding up?
- Have I started saying “yes” too often again?
- Am I feeling more energised or more drained?
Boundaries aren’t fixed, they shift depending on your workload, your wellbeing, and your role. Give yourself permission to adjust.
2. Dealing With Pushback
Let’s be real, sometimes setting boundaries ruffles feathers. Especially in environments where “going the extra mile” is seen as the norm.
If someone reacts badly:
- Stay calm. You’re not responsible for their discomfort.
- Reaffirm your position:
“I understand this is important, but I still need to finish on time.” - If necessary, involve a manager or HR, especially if it’s becoming persistent.
Boundaries are not selfish. They’re self-respecting. And they model what’s possible for others, too.
The Role of Leadership in Boundary Culture
When Managers Set the Tone
If you’re in a leadership role, your behaviour around boundaries sets the tone for your whole team.
- Do you send emails at all hours or encourage proper switching off?
- Do you check in about workloads regularly?
- Do you talk openly about mental health and burnout?
Even small changes like respecting annual leave or avoiding unnecessary last-minute meetings can create big shifts in workplace culture.
Embedding Boundaries in Policy
It’s not all on individuals. Organisations should build boundary-friendly practices into how they work.
That might look like:
- Flexible start/finish times
- Encouraging use of “do not disturb” or quiet hours
- Training on assertive communication
- Regular wellbeing check-ins
- Clear expectations around digital communication
When organisations make space for boundaries, they make space for people to thrive.
Conclusion
Professional boundaries are a form of care. For yourself. For your team. For the mission you’re working toward.
In social enterprises, charities, and people-centred workplaces, we often give so much of ourselves. And that generosity is beautiful—but it also needs to be balanced. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup.
So here’s what I want you to remember:
- Boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re sustainable
- Saying “no” doesn’t make you less committed
- You’re allowed to protect your time and energy
- Your wellbeing is just as important as your work
Start small. Pick one area to set a boundary this week. Whether that’s closing your laptop on time, turning off email alerts on weekends, or asking for clearer expectations—you’re allowed.
And if you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or need support—reach out. Talk to a colleague. Start a conversation in your team. Because healthier workplaces don’t happen by accident. They start with people like you.
Would you like help creating a team session, training workshop, or resources on boundary setting? I’d be happy to help you shape something meaningful. Let’s talk.
