Latest / Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor / How can I set boundaries in an ‘always-on’ work culture?

Transcript

How can I set boundaries in an ‘always-on’ work culture? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: How can I set boundaries in an always-on work culture?
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: In the long term, trying to fit into an always-on-work culture can lead employees to burnout, stress, anxiety, and health issues.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: If your work-life balance is constantly tipping in favour of work, then it's time to redress the balance.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: The irony of an always-on-work culture is that it's not sustainable for the long term and employees will quite often fall behind with productivity and quality of work when under stress.
• 0:37
  SPEAKER_00: There are types of boundaries that you can put in, and the most important one is time boundary.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: So here's a few tips, including time boundaries, that maybe you can use to redress your balance.
• 0:51
  SPEAKER_00: So when you leave the office or finish your shift, shut the laptop down.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: Make this the ritual that signals the end of the working day, or if you don't use a laptop, as soon as that office door is shut or the building doors shut, that means you're finished.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: So not checking emails after you finish or taking phone calls from colleagues.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: I'd also recommend you introduce 10 minutes of wind-down time at the end of your shift.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: So listening to some music or having a drink or just having some time to reflect on the day just before you leave so that your body and mind adjust to not being in the work state.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: If you are called into weekend or evening meetings, only attend those that are absolutely critical to your role.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: Take your breaks, make sure you're taking your lunch breaks, and here's some other sort of communication boundaries.
• 1:46
  SPEAKER_00: Make sure that your colleagues are aware of your official working hours.
• 1:51
  SPEAKER_00: Only communicate in true emergencies outside of these hours.
• 1:57
  SPEAKER_00: Set up your out-of-office reply, which should include alternative contact options for people seeking assistance.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: If you're struggling with a high workload, which you feel you cannot complete within your working hours, then please speak to someone at work to make them aware of the situation in the first instance and back this up with an email too.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: So you cannot be guaranteed the response that you need, but you have communicated your needs, which is your responsibility.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_00: The responsibility for the support you get with that is then with your employer.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_00: Learn to politely decline tasks which are beyond your outlined role.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_00: Keep your workspace separate from your living space if you're working from home.
• 2:45
  SPEAKER_00: The physical boundary will help remind you of your mental and emotional boundaries too.
• 2:53
  SPEAKER_00: It's just going to help reinforce the clean break from work.
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_00: So I hope these tips have been useful.
• 3:00
  SPEAKER_00: Please look after yourself.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: Remember if you're struggling to communicate in the first that's the first step.
• 3:07
  SPEAKER_00: Alright, take care, thank you.