Not setting boundaries at work can be draining and impact your mental health and wellbeing over time. Whether it\u2019s with a client or a business partner, communicating your limits and expectations for how you want to be treated is key to your emotional and mental health. <\/p>\n\n
But what are boundaries anyway? And how can being strict with them help you feel happy, productive, and preserve your energy as a small business owner? Read on for examples of boundaries \u2013 and tips for sticking to them. <\/p>\n\n
Simply Business has partnered with Mental Health at Work<\/a>, a programme curated by Mind, to support the UK\u2019s self-employed with their mental health and wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n Together we surveyed more than 700 small business owners to understand their challenges. Now we want to start a conversation and end the stigma surrounding mental health at work through our Mind Your Business<\/a> initiative.<\/p>\n\n Quite literally a boundary is a line separating two areas, for example a hedge marking the edge of a field and the start of another. But what does this mean in a business context? <\/p>\n\n Boundaries are the limits you set for yourself in professional (and personal) relationships. This could be on your time, mental boundaries, emotional needs, or physical space. <\/p>\n\n Simply Business research with small business owners shows 54 per cent aren\u2019t having enough time for hobbies, leisure, and socialising, which is negatively impacting their wellbeing. While there may be many reasons for this, protecting your leisure time is one way you can set a healthy boundary between work and life. <\/p>\n\n Have you ever had a disagreement with a business partner<\/a>? Or been in a client meeting where you\u2019ve not been treated with respect? While this can be upsetting and difficult to know how to handle, this is an example of someone crossing a line with you. And it\u2019s important that you tell them how it makes you feel and the standard you expect in the future.<\/p>\n\n Boundaries can also refer to how you use your time and protect your energy when it comes to stopping work or taking breaks. <\/p>\n Work-life balance can be particularly challenging if you’re running a side hustle<\/a> or just starting out with your business. But it\u2019s important to take time to rest and make sure you don\u2019t become overwhelmed or burnt out.<\/p>\n\n That said, our research found that 50 per cent of small business owners feel that running their business has a positive impact on their mental health. Here, one freelancer shares his experience about moving from employment to self-employment<\/a>, and what employers can learn to help empower their workforce. Whether it\u2019s maximising autonomy or the importance of having a team or professional network, these are key to feeling motivated and engaged at work. <\/p>\n\n Boundaries will be personal to you as they relate to what you want and how you want to be treated. However, these are just a few examples of where you might want to set boundaries at work as a small business owner: <\/p>\n\nWhat are boundaries? <\/h2>\n\n
Why are boundaries important for small business owners?<\/h3>\n\n
Examples of professional boundaries <\/h3>\n\n
How to set healthy boundaries in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n