Many employers mistakenly believe that remote or hybrid work means employees are available throughout the day and can be reached at any time. However, that's not the case—working hours should remain consistent, and employees should not be contacted outside of those hours. It’s important to define your availability and clarify that you’re not always available for a "quick call". In the past, I struggled with saying "no." I felt obligated to fulfill every request from my manager, regardless of when it came in. However, I’ve come to realize that while my work is important, I am the most important. Setting boundaries and communicating them clearly has been essential in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

It's common to feel overwhelmed when the lines between work and personal life blur. Establish a dedicated workspace and stick to a consistent schedule. Clearly communicate your availability to colleagues and resist the urge to check emails after hours. Prioritize self-care and make time for breaks to recharge. By setting clear boundaries, you’ll enhance productivity and maintain a healthier work-life balance. Remember, it's essential to protect your time and energy to stay focused and avoid burnout.

- Prioritize self-care by scheduling regular breaks throughout your day. - Designate a specific workspace at home to mentally separate work from personal life. - Limit non-essential meetings to maximize productivity and reduce burnout. - Practice saying "no" to additional tasks that encroach on your personal time. - Regularly review and adjust your boundaries to adapt to changing work demands.

In a hybrid work setup, setting clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining balance. Start by defining your working hours and sharing them with your team to manage expectations. Establish a dedicated workspace to separate work from personal life. Communicate assertively if your time is being overstepped, and use tools like "Engaged" to signal focus time. Schedule regular breaks and stick to them to avoid burnout. Lastly, develop an end-of-day ritual to mark the transition from work to personal time.

I make sure to set specific work hours and stick to them, using tools like calendar blocks and status updates to let my team know when I’m available. Consistency is key, whether I’m working from home or the office