Expectations and Boundaries in Remote Work
Remote Worker's Spotlight: Troy Kyles, Career Mentor at Pathrise
Hi Superstar,
Picture this: it's a lazy Sunday afternoon. You're curled up on your favorite couch, sipping on a cup of cocoa and binge-watching the latest season of that show you've been waiting for on Netflix or Showmax. The ambiance is perfect. Suddenly, there is a "bing" from your laptop. It's a work notification email.
Now, the million-dollar question is: do you hit pause and tend to it, or do you let it wait till Monday? Your response, dear superstar, is precisely why we're diving back to the ABC of remote work series - "E"xceptions and Boundaries in Remote Work.
The digital era, coupled with global events, has pushed remote work to the forefront of our professional lives. There's no denying the allure it holds: no traffic jams, no stuffy office wear, and the liberty to design our workspace. Yet, the same technology that affords us these luxuries can also be a double-edged sword. Where does work end and personal life begin?
Let's get real for a moment. I confess, there have been countless weekends when the line between 'weekend relaxation' and 'weekday grind' has blurred for me. The temptation to clear just that one email or draft that proposal while lounging in my pajamas is real. The inner dialogue is familiar: "It'll just take five minutes," but those minutes can swiftly snowball into hours, encroaching on our precious personal time and turning us to work slaves in our homes.
Why Boundaries in Remote Work Are Essential
When our home, once a sanctuary of relaxation, transforms into our office, the lines between professional duties and personal life can easily blur. Here's a deeper dive into why establishing these boundaries is essential for a balanced remote work experience:
Mental Well-being: The boundaries between our work and personal life are akin to protective barriers for our minds. When these boundaries become indistinct, our mental health may suffer. A lack of clear separation can lead to feelings of perpetual work mode, making genuine relaxation elusive. Over time, this constant state of being 'switched on' can pave the way for burnout. By consciously creating a distinction between work and personal time, we gift ourselves moments of authentic relaxation, allowing our minds to rejuvenate.
Enhanced Productivity: At first glance, it might seem that being available 24/7 and continually working would lead to more output. But the reality is different. When we establish boundaries, we grant ourselves concentrated periods of focused work, eliminating the constant interruptions of home life. This results in heightened efficiency and better quality work in shorter time frames.
Example: It's like reading a book in a quiet room versus reading while constantly being interrupted. With boundaries, you immerse fully, comprehend better, and finish faster.
Maintaining Professionalism: Our commitment to our work and to our personal lives must remain distinct to uphold professionalism. When we allow work to seep into personal commitments, or vice-versa, it can lead to unmet deadlines, unsatisfactory work, or neglected family responsibilities. Boundaries ensure that we're fully present in our professional roles without personal distractions and fully involved in our personal lives without work intrusions.
Quality Time: In the grand tapestry of life, moments spent with loved ones are the vibrant threads that add richness and meaning. By setting boundaries, we ensure that this quality time remains untarnished by work-related concerns. It allows us to be wholly present, deepening our connections and creating lasting memories.
Strategies For Effectively Communicating Boundaries to Colleagues in Remote Work
As the adage goes, "Good fences make good neighbors." Similarly, in the realm of remote work, well-defined boundaries make great professionals. Here's how to effectively communicate these boundaries to colleagues:
Transparency: Utilizing tools like shared calendars or status updates not only helps you manage your time better but also offers a clear view for your colleagues. By marking out your working hours, break times, or periods when you'll be unavailable, you're offering a transparent window into your schedule. This way, teammates can adjust their expectations and plan their interactions accordingly.
Consistency: Habits shape perceptions. If you consistently refrain from addressing work communications during your off-hours, it sends a message. Your colleagues will soon realize that the chances of getting an immediate response outside of your stipulated working hours are slim. This not only helps set an implicit understanding but also aids in fostering respect for personal time.
Clear Communication: While implicit cues can be effective, there's no substitute for straightforward communication. Regularly updating your team on your preferred work timings, any changes to your availability, or periods you're taking off is essential. It removes the guesswork and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Lead by Example: One of the most powerful ways to communicate boundaries is by respecting those of others. When you show consideration for a colleague's time, you're not just fostering goodwill but also subtly conveying your expectations. It becomes a reciprocating cycle of mutual respect.
In today's evolving work landscape, the demarcation of boundaries isn't a luxury but an absolute necessity. Setting them is the first step; effectively communicating them is the bridge to ensuring they're respected. Mastering this balance is the keystone to crafting a remote work experience that's both productive and personally enriching.
Remote Worker Segment
From Classroom to Crafting Careers: Introducing Troy Kyles, a Career Development Mentor at Pathrise and an expert in career development hailing from the intersections of education, counseling, technology accessibility, and strategic networking.
In this week’s remote worker spotlight, we had the chance to speak to Troy Kyles' about his remarkable remote work journey. Spanning roles as an educator, counselor, tech access provider, and a unique talent for "connecting the dots", Troys stands as a beacon for those looking to shape and enhance their careers in our modern landscape.
Join us as we uncover Troy Kyles' perspectives on the evolution of career development, the power of education and technology, and the vital role of strategic connections in today's professional world. Get ready to be enlightened and armed with tools and insights that can significantly shape your own career journey, drawing from Troy’s multifaceted experiences.
Resources to Help in Your Remote Career Journey
Our Slack community: this is a community built to connect with job seekers and digital nomads around the world. We have monthly free training, resources, and a helpline. Also, you get to make friends with other members. Link
Our job board: The Inclusively Remote job board is tailored to ensure everyone worldwide gets equal opportunities, especially Africans. We have jobs that are inclusive for Africans. Link
Our Social Media Handles: For daily tips on navigating your remote work career or tips to corporate success, check out our social media handles here Link
Introduction to Remote Work: Access our free ebook on remote work and how to get remote jobs, especially other platforms to check out. Link
The ABC of a Successful Remote Job Application: Access our free ebook on how to tailor your resume and apply to remote jobs. I have tailored a resume template you can use and cold mail messages in drafting your cover letter. Link
The Remote Salary Handbook: This is the first published guide on remote work. Having been a remote worker from Africa, I know the struggles of getting good pay, I have been paid less countless times. This ebook lays down tips as well as templates to ensure no one gets to be like me. It’s currently on sale and would go a long way in your career journey. Link
Yours Truly,
Mary-Esther Anele (Your Career Cheerleader)