Establishing healthy and professional boundaries in the world of work is a critical component to long-term success for both companies and employees. Having boundaries in place sets a strong foundation for a productive, safe, and respectful work environment for all.
In addition to respecting boundaries that the organization sets such as job limitations, where to park, off-limit areas, chain of command, and any general policy – it is also necessary to be mindful of interpersonal boundaries set by those we work with.
Some of the most important boundaries you have as an employee are those which your job description outlines. What this means is that it is important for all team members to (within reason) stay in our professional lanes. For example, unless you were hired to manage people, you need to refrain from acting like someone’s manager by questioning their whereabouts or level of performance. This also means when working as a team to effectively share the workload and not try to control it all. A respectful work environment is one where we can all chip in and help others when appropriate or provide feedback as a way to support – but it also means that we need to be mindful of where those boundaries are and avoid crossing them.
One key to a successful and comfortable work environment for all is to speak and behave in a professional manner. The workplace is not an appropriate setting to ask intrusive & personal questions, tell insensitive or raunchy jokes, or engage in controversial conversations that are outside the scope of why you are there in the first place. When engaging in friendly conversation with fellow staff, always keep it professional. If the conversation steers into a direction that you feel crosses the line, politely acknowledge that perhaps this is not something that you wish to discuss in the workplace. Taking that approach allows you to clarify a boundary while also not putting the other person on the defensive.
Time in and of itself is a boundary. There is a set amount in a day and it is up to each person to make the most of it. Your work schedule is a finite amount of time that you are supposed to be dedicating to accomplishing your job duties. This means during those hours your work should be your number one focus. The first step in practicing good time management is to show up on time (every time) for your scheduled shift. While you are working limit distractions, focus on your work, and be respectful of other people’s time. Minutes matter, so work to be mindful of how you are spending yours and how you may be affecting others.
Your employee handbook is a tool for your long-term success at any company. Make sure you are taking the time to read through your employee handbook as soon as you receive it. Doing so will ensure that you are familiarizing yourself with any policies and boundaries your employer has set and expects you to follow. When reading through this employee guide, you should make special note of any rules being set and write down any questions that you may have so you can seek out clarity from your supervisor. Once you have read through the manual, be sure to put it somewhere that you will be able to access it later should you have any questions. Keep in mind that company policies will evolve over time and the company may update them and notify staff – be sure to read and save any updates you receive.
Unspoken or unclear boundaries do no one any favors. We are not suggesting that you have a list of personal boundaries that you cover with all of your co-workers, but you need to know what your boundaries are and be able to openly and honestly communicate them as needed. For example, let’s say you do not want to get caught up in workplace gossip or politics. If you find yourself in a conversation where gossip comes up, politely tell them you do not want to participate in that kind of discussion and try to steer the conversation in a more appropriate direction. If your attempts to redirect are unsuccessful, politely remove yourself from the discussion.
Setting boundaries and being prepared to address violations does not have to be confrontational. A best practice once you identify your boundaries is to ensure you follow them consistently. If you violate your own boundary by gossiping about another co-worker it will create confusion and conflict. Be confident, be respectful, and be consistent.
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Everything can be hacked, even the workplace. Manpower is ready to help you hack the world of work with some simple tips to thrive that will keep you moving in the right direction professionally.
The world of work runs much more smoothly when everyone works together – which is why every hiring manager looks for people who are cooperative team players. But what does being a team player look like in the workforce? Here are a few quick video tips covering some essential practices.
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Everything can be hacked, even the workplace. Manpower is ready to help you hack the world of work with some simple tips to thrive that will keep you moving in the right direction professionally.
The world of work runs much more smoothly when everyone works together – which is why every hiring manager looks for people who are cooperative team players. But what does being a team player look like in the workforce? Here are a few quick video tips covering some essential practices.
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They say “teamwork makes the dream work,” and the world of work is a classic example of how that can play out. When people within an organization work together, chances are the entire business will be overwhelmingly successful. However, when people within a company are looking out for ‘number one,’ instead of the whole, results are stifled.
Every employer wants to hire people that can work well as a team, here are simple ways that you can demonstrate that you are a team player.
Successful companies are clear about their goals and share those goals with everyone in their employ. Every job within that company has been designed to help achieve those goals and support the mission. When you recognize that you share the same goals and are all playing your part in working towards them, amazing things happen. Teams that work on shared goals in a cooperative way are going to be more successful, experience less drama and conflict, and have increased job satisfaction.
There are going to be people that you work with that you may not connect with on a personal level, and that is perfectly okay. What is not okay is allowing personal differences to impact how you work with someone. Personal differences and personality conflicts must get checked at the door. You don’t have to be friends with everyone you work with, you don’t have to connect with everyone on social media, but you must respect diversity in the workplace and recognize the value that diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and belief systems bring to the team.
When you accept a job offer, you are making a commitment to the company and agreeing to perform your job to the best of your ability, each and every day. It is up to you to do your part. This requires that you work to effectively manage your time, eliminate distractions, ask for help if you are falling short in any areas, and communicate with those relying on you if you are unable to meet your commitments. It is incredibly empowering to own your own performance and results.
Every person in the organization, from the one who is responsible for keeping the bathrooms clean and free of germs, the parking lot free of hazards, the person ordering the supplies, working on the backend of your website, to the one sitting at the helm planning the future – brings tremendous value and their work is important. All work is noble, and each person should feel good about how they contribute to the whole – and anyone who discounts another’s value is doing a disservice to the organization. Take the time to thank the people you work with – your sincere gratitude will be well received and greatly appreciated.
There will be times when you are on the receiving end of critical feedback, or perhaps you are the one providing the feedback – either way, avoid making it personal. This is one of the hardest things for people in the workforce. Giving and receiving critical feedback is not an enjoyable task, but it is important for professional growth. When discussing feedback, all involved must keep it professional and have the mindset that feedback is intended to be helpful. No matter how amazing a person is, there is always room for growth – check egos at the door and see feedback as a positive action designed to help.
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All employers are looking for employees that have the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Being a team player requires a firm grasp of what cooperation looks like in the workplace. Here are some simple tips to help you thrive in a cooperative fashion at work.
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Set Aside Personal DifferencesThere are going to be people you work with that you don’t connect with on a personal level, and that’s okay – you don’t have to be best friends with everyone. The important thing is that you are able to set personal differences aside and work together to achieve shared goals and support the company’s mission. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
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Follow Through With Your WorkWhen you work with a team, people are counting on you to see your duties through to completion. Everyone’s work is interconnected, so if you don’t do your part, you may be delaying the work of others and negatively impacting the team’s success. Completing your work in a timely and efficient manner will help keep the whole team moving in a productive direction. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
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Respect DiversityEach person and every department brings a unique value to the team. Different backgrounds, skills, and professional experiences contribute fresh perspectives, new ideas, and opportunities for innovation. Be respectful of the differences of others and recognize that while they may not always do things the way you would do them, their contribution is equally important. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
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Give Credit Where Credit is DueWhen you achieve a milestone at work or your department accomplishes a major goal, don’t forget all the other team members or departments that helped make it possible. Celebrating shared successes is great for morale and goes a long way in helping people feel respected, appreciated, and included. What workplace couldn’t use more of that energy? #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
Click on the links below to access other tips we have shared throughout this series.
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Being an effective communicator is a powerful tool. Being an effective communicator goes beyond having a extensive vocabulary. It is having the ability to navigate different communication styles, being mindful of your body language and the words you choose, and even more understanding how you take in and process information.
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When Unsure, Ask for ClarificationMost conflicts occur based on a lack of clarity or a simple miscommunication. If ever in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Asking for clarity will prevent frustration and stop a person from filling in details themselves. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
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Avoid Oversharing and Over AskingIt is natural that you will build friendly relationships at work. A true professional is able to set clear and appropriate boundaries for what is acceptable to share and ask in the workplace. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
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Professional Feedback Is Not PersonalTo experience long-term career success you must embrace a culture of continuous improvement. Feedback is used as a tool to help you excel in your work. When on the receiving end of performance feedback be mindful that it is not personal. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
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Save the Colorful LanguageSentence enhancers – especially those of the four-letter variety – are best saved for outside of work. To be recognized as a strong communicator, it is important to hold yourself to a high standard when it comes to the language you use to convey your message. #TipsToThrive #WorldOfWork #ManpowerMaine #BackToBasics |
Click on the links below to access other tips we have shared throughout this series.
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No matter what field of work you are in, or how far you have climbed the career ladder, one thing that every employer is looking for is effective communication skills. But what does that look like exactly? Well, communication as defined is the exchange of information – and while there is no way to bridge the entire subject (on which countless best-selling books have been written) here in one simple blog, we do want to break down the subject to discuss how communication factors into the world of work.
From the moment you are born, you are communicating. You use words, sounds, body language, and even personal appearance to share information with others, and you observe those same methods from others around you. This creates a false sense that good communication is natural and easy, when it is everything but. Effective communication takes hard work and sometimes can even feel uncomfortable, but as you begin to improve your skills the more natural it will become.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you consider communication in the workplace.
To understand how complex communication is, do a simple Google search for “communication styles” and you will be inundated with countless scholarly articles on their takes of the different ways in which people communicate and the personality traits that factor in to their style. Ultimately, regardless of how the writer chooses to label them, the styles tend to fall into 4 different buckets: those that take the driver’s seat, those who analyze all the fine details, the expressive ones, and those that quietly keep the peace. Being able to understand both your communication style as well as the style of who you are communicating with is key to long-term professional success.
Sentence enhancers, especially those of the four-letter variety, may be appropriate or even welcome in some social situations – the workplace, however, shouldn’t be one of them. The same goes for off-color jokes and phrases – the work environment should be kept professional and be a safe haven from all that kind of stuff so people can comfortably perform their job. Again, the key to long-term career success is to demonstrate that you are a professional (no matter what is happening around you) and that you can handle yourself with tact and a certain level of decorum, which requires a clear communication style filled with appropriate language and discourse.
All too often, many conflicts can be boiled down to simple miscommunication – or the stories people make up in their heads about all the finer details when they don’t have all the information. When details are scarce it is easy to make up a story in your own mind that fills in all the blanks, but we urge you to avoid that tendency at all costs and instead ask for clarification when appropriate. Whether you are working to better understand performance expectations, policies in place, changes that impact your work, or even interactions with other individuals that leave you wondering – take the time to seek clarity.
You will build relationships at work, it is natural when you spend so many hours a day with the people you work with. No matter how chummy you get with your coworkers it is best for all involved if you refrain from oversharing personal details of your life, especially when on the clock. Setting clear boundaries about what you are willing to talk about at work will help you set yourself up for long-term success and improve your working relationships.
Feedback is a cornerstone of ongoing success for both individuals as well as the organization as a whole, and having the ability to accept and provide feedback will go a long way in your professional development. The key is to not make it (or take it) personal. When you are on the receiving end of feedback, take in the information with the understanding that it is being provided to help you perform better. When you accept that feedback can help you grow, it can become a powerful tool for you. Oh and if the feedback is positive, say “thank you.” There may be instances where feedback is unsolicited (and sometimes unwarranted), but use your critical thinking skills to take what you can from it, and leave the rest.
When it comes to providing feedback, make it a point to be clear, concise, and focus solely on the business need, the impact the negative performance is having, and the expectations of performance moving forward – and provide support when appropriate to help them get there. Clarity is critical in these conversations, so avoid generalizations and vague descriptions. The goal is not to confront, but to seek understanding and find a path to move forward.
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