Boundaries

While setting boundaries for work communications is crucial, some bosses or managers may have a different perspective on availability, expecting employees to be on-call at all times. It’s important to address this issue carefully, as the pressure to be constantly available can negatively affect both your work-life balance and mental health.

Why Discussing Boundaries Matters in Social Media Marketing

The conversation around setting clear professional boundaries is critical, especially within the social media marketing sector—a field under constant scrutiny and where outcomes are often viewed through a qualitative lens. For women in the workplace, particularly those in digital roles like social media, this scrutiny can intensify when a company faces challenges. My experience has shown that scepticism often comes from leadership least familiar with the dynamics of social media marketing. For instance, a former VP of Sales at a corporate setting dismissed the efficacy of social media as "hocus pocus" only to later start his own social media company after being let go.

This underscores not only the misunderstood nature of social media marketing but also highlights why companies like ours, Social Global Grind, dedicate articles to the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. Proper boundaries not only safeguard employees from undue stress and scrutiny but also foster an environment where the true value of meticulous, analytics-driven social media strategies can be appreciated and quantified. For those navigating the intricate balance of visibility and responsibility in digital marketing, understanding how to assert and maintain boundaries is not just beneficial—it's essential for long-term success and recognition in the industry.

How to Handle Bosses Who Expect You to Be Fully Available

1. Communicate Clearly and Professionally: When faced with a boss who expects you to be available around the clock, the first step is to have an open conversation. Express your commitment to the job while highlighting the importance of maintaining personal time to recharge. You might say, “I’m dedicated to delivering my best work, and for that to happen, I need to set clear boundaries for after-hours communication. I’m happy to be flexible during urgent situations, but I’ll generally respond to messages first thing in the morning.”
2. Offer Alternatives: If your role requires occasional off-hours availability, suggest a structured approach. For example, propose designated on-call times during particularly busy periods rather than leaving your availability open-ended. Let them know you are willing to meet the needs of the business while balancing your personal time.
3. Focus on Productivity, Not Presence: Shift the conversation from availability to results. Highlight how having well-defined boundaries will enable you to be more productive during working hours. You can explain that taking regular breaks and disconnecting outside of work hours improves focus, energy, and creativity when you’re on the clock.
4. Refer to Company Policies or Industry Norms: If your company has specific policies around work hours, use them to support your stance. Additionally, many industries are moving toward more flexible, balanced work cultures, so citing examples of how these policies benefit both employees and employers can help make your case.
5. Seek Support from HR or Mentors: If direct conversations don’t lead to a resolution, consider seeking advice from HR or a trusted mentor. They can offer guidance on how to approach the situation in a way that maintains your professional integrity while protecting your personal time.
6. Know When to Compromise: In some cases, compromise may be necessary. For example, during critical project deadlines, you may need to be available outside regular hours temporarily. However, be sure to reset those boundaries once the project is completed to avoid setting a precedent of constant availability.

Safeguarding Your Boundaries with Documentation

While striving to establish and maintain work-life boundaries is critical, it may sometimes be necessary to document instances where these boundaries are not respected, especially if the issue persists despite clear communication. This is not only about protecting your personal time but also about maintaining a professional and respectful work environment.

Steps for Documenting Boundary Violations

1. Keep Records: Whenever a boundary is crossed, such as receiving work-related messages outside of agreed-upon hours, keep a record. This includes saving screenshots of text messages, emails, or any other communications that occur outside the boundaries you've set.
2. Note the Frequency and Content: Along with keeping screenshots, make a note of how often these intrusions occur and the nature of the requests or messages. This will help illustrate whether these are one-off incidents or part of a larger pattern.
3. Use a Journal for Ongoing Issues: For ongoing issues, maintain a detailed journal with dates, times, and descriptions of all interactions that involve boundary violations. This documentation can be invaluable in discussions with HR or your supervisor as it provides a clear, objective record of what has been happening.
4. Communicate Concerns with Evidence: If you need to escalate the issue, present your records in a factual and dispassionate manner. Explain how these intrusions affect your productivity and well-being and reiterate your need for clearly defined boundaries.
5. Consult with HR or Legal Advice: If boundary violations continue despite your efforts to address them, consider consulting with HR or seeking legal advice, especially if the behavior impacts your ability to perform your job or affects your mental health.

Protecting Your Rights and Well-being

Documenting boundary violations is a step you can take to ensure your rights to personal time and a respectful workplace are upheld. It’s about creating a fair environment where everyone understands and respects each other's time and contributions. Remember, setting boundaries is not only beneficial for your own health and productivity but also sets a precedent that fosters a healthier workplace culture for everyone.

By taking these steps, you can more effectively manage your work-life balance and advocate for a workplace that respects personal boundaries and promotes mutual respect.

Needing further advice on how to handle tricky situations like this? We are here to help. Click on our Calendly link and let's catch up.