Clear boundaries are key to building strong relationships, so imagine it is month end and you are working on a tight client deadline. Then, you have come to the realization that it is going to take several more hours to meet that deadline. However, 5:00 pm, the end of the working day, has arrived and a key employee is packing up to leave. They want to get home in time to meet a personal commitment.
You are the leader: What do you do? What are your expectations? What are theirs?
Naturally, you might expect that a sense of loyalty would compel the employee to stay and work on this important project. Maybe, you believe there should not even be a question – work comes first. The employee might feel that their personal life comes first.
So, such a situation risks hard feelings and resentments, no matter the outcome. Have expectations set in advance and mutually agreed upon by all parties. Boundaries delineate a clear path for both individuals and the organization and it is important to clarify:
Boundaries for working overtime
- Have the overtime policies been communicated and agreed upon up front?
- Are there expectations for working beyond normal business hours?
- Is that extra time paid or compensated only after a certain number of hours?
- Is there a requirement for advance notice to management or the employee if overtime is expected or is there an inherent expectation that responsibilities will be completed within the normal workday?
- Are there expectations about working from home to complete assignments?
- Have the demands on employees, such as deadlines for daycare been addressed and agreed upon.
Technology boundaries
- What are the guidelines regarding availability for email or phone calls after hours, particularly if the company is paying for the cell phone or laptop?
Emotional boundaries
- How are appropriate and inappropriate relationships at work defined? Do they include guidance about purely friendly co-worker relationships, personal out-of-office friendships, and/or romantic relationships?
Freedom to say NO
- Are individuals free to decline a work request if it feels too stressful?
Honest and open confidential discussions
Ensure there are clear boundaries. Setting boundaries at work and maintaining them can be hard, but they go a long way toward achieving long-term, trusting relationships with your team.
Our TAC coaches help clients who are working to establish clear boundaries. You can contact them here.