A healthy boundary is a limit or space between you and the other person; a clear place where you begin and the other person ends.

At work, this is very vital as it helps colleagues know how to properly interact and respectfully, it helps the manager and their subordinates to know when and who to assign to what role or task.

Eddy Muhumuza a business development advisor at Business Development Fund (BDF) says that when we talk about needing space, setting limits, determining acceptable behaviour, or creating a sense of autonomy, we are really talking about boundaries.

"A general misconception is that having good boundaries will distance you from others, that there will be a barrier preventing interaction. However, the truth is that when you know where you end and others begin, you can then closely engage with others because you won’t feel overwhelmed or unprotected,” he says.

The purpose of setting a healthy boundary is, of course, to protect and take good care of you, Muhumuza adds.

Aline Uwamahoro who works for a humanitarian non-government organisation says that there are a lot of boundaries to set at work and all are important for self-care.

"We are humans, so if in the workplace things start feeling like they are overwhelming; it means it is time to set boundaries. Whether they are from people or workload, boundaries are very important and they act as peace maintenance,” she says.

An article about healthy boundaries published on the Harley Therapy blog shows that if you don’t set healthy boundaries, you are likely to constantly be at the mercy of others.

"You allow others to tell you how to think, act, and feel. It also means you tend to spend your time and energy doing what others want you to do, over what you deep down want to do. In the long term, this can lead to frustration and depression. You will feel unfulfilled or lost. At its worse, not setting boundaries allows others to do things to you that are upsetting, or even harmful,” the article states.

What are the boundaries?

Physical boundaries

Physical boundaries mainly deal with space and touch. The amount of time you have available to give someone or how you lend your possessions are also physical boundaries.

Mental and emotional boundaries

These types of boundaries are intangible. Mental boundaries are thoughts, values, and opinions. Emotional Boundaries "distinguish your emotions from someone else’s.

Professional boundaries

Professional boundaries often start with understanding the organisational structure.

Who gives you assignments?

Who do you report to?

Who gives you feedback?

Who sets the priorities?

What is the process for keeping information secure?

How do you interact and collaborate with other co-workers?  

"Most organisations have policies and rules related to what is considered disrespectful or unacceptable behaviour to be used in the professional setting.  Co-workers set their own boundaries on what is and is not acceptable interpersonally as well. In the workplace environment, clearly defined boundaries encourage efficient work, good job performance, and accountability,” says Muhumuza.

How to set healthy boundaries at work

An article on the Career Contessa website shares the ways below on how to establish healthy boundaries and maintain them:

Assess your personal boundaries first. Before you communicate your boundaries, you’ll have to take the time to assess them, their limits, and how to set them. Your personal boundaries will stem from your values and your life’s priorities.

Communicate upfront. Once you have your priorities and values in place, communicate them. This can be as simple as letting your team know that you do not answer emails after 7:00 p.m. You can also use this time to communicate what constitutes a work "emergency” so that you’re not fielding "crises” that pop up in your off-hours.

Create clear structures. The structure is important in the workplace. You’re the architect of your own boundaries, so build them solid. By creating clear boundary-based structures upfront, it takes any guesswork out of common boundary infractions.

Keep your relationships professional. We all love having a working wife or a work BFF, but sometimes those relationships get tricky—and convoluted from the perspective of boundaries. Now, we’re not saying you shouldn’t have an at-work confidante or close friend.