It’s NO-vember: Setting Boundaries at Work to Protect Your Well-being During the Holiday Season

Welcome to Career Well-being. Each week Ana Goehner empowers professionals to prioritize well-being with practical work-life strategies: workplace boundaries, flexibility at work, targeted job search, and career advice.

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As the holiday season approaches, so does the pressure to take on more at work. Whether it’s covering for colleagues on vacation, organizing last-minute events, or picking up extra responsibilities, it’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of over-commitment. But this November, let’s call it NO-vember—a time to prioritize our well-being by setting and respecting work boundaries.

Why Setting Boundaries Matters

Setting boundaries, especially during busy periods like the holidays, is essential for maintaining your mental health, protecting your time, and ensuring you’re focusing on high-value work. Without boundaries, you risk burnout, reduced productivity, and even resentment toward your work. Think of boundaries as a commitment to yourself—a way to preserve your energy for what truly matters, both professionally and personally.

One of the biggest traps, especially for women in corporate environments, is what’s often called office housework. I like to call them 'invisible work.' They can happen year-round but are more evident during the holiday season. These small but time-consuming tasks don’t contribute to career growth. Here’s what it can look like:

• Organizing social events with no additional support or budget.
• Filling in for someone or serving on a committee you know nothing about.
• Refilling snacks, organizing meals, or taking coffee orders.
• Cleaning up after a meeting or party when it’s a shared space.

At first, these tasks are perceived as acts of kindness, but that can turn into resentment when you feel like you are always left with the invisible work while your colleagues return to their big projects.

These tasks are necessary but don’t lead to promotions or visibility in your role. When these requests come up, consider saying, “I’m unable to help with this right now,” or suggest a rotation system for fairness. Setting this boundary can prevent you from overloading with low-impact tasks that don’t support your career growth.

Work Boundaries Examples for the Holiday Season

Boundaries aren’t just about saying no. They’re about setting clear expectations and communicating them. Here are a few examples to guide you:

1. Time Boundaries

• Example: “I’ll be offline after 6 PM to recharge, but I’ll address anything urgent first thing in the morning.”
• Set specific “do not disturb” hours to ensure you can enjoy your evenings and weekends, even during peak work seasons.

VIDEO: How to Set Time Boundaries

2. Task Boundaries

• Example: “I’m currently at capacity with existing projects. Can we discuss priorities, or perhaps this can be handled by someone else?”
• If you’re asked to take on additional work, emphasize your current responsibilities. It’s reasonable to push back on tasks that fall outside your role.

VIDEO: How to Set Task Boundaries

3. Communication Boundaries

• Example: “I’m focusing on a project right now; I’ll be available to chat after 2 PM.”
• Limiting interruptions can help you stay productive. Let your colleagues know when you’re available and when you need uninterrupted time for deep work.

VIDEO: How to Set Communication Boundaries

Strategies for Setting Work Boundaries with Confidence

Boundaries often bring up feelings of guilt, especially when it comes to saying no. Here’s how to approach boundaries with confidence and clarity.

?? Be Assertive Yet Respectful

Boundaries are a form of self-respect. When you say no, you’re protecting your energy for tasks that align with your goals. Use phrases like, “I’d love to help, but I’m currently focused on other priorities,” to communicate this respectfully.

?? Communicate Early and Often

Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Let your team know early on about your availability and capacity. This proactive communication can prevent misunderstandings and allows others to plan accordingly.

?? Enforce Consistency

Boundaries lose their power if they aren’t consistently enforced. If you set a time boundary, stick to it. Consistency reinforces to others that your boundaries are a priority, making them more likely to respect them in the future.

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Overcoming the Challenges of Setting Boundaries

It’s common to feel anxious about setting boundaries, especially if you worry about potential backlash. Here are a few ways to address these concerns:

• Dealing with Pushback: When a boundary is questioned, reiterate why it’s important for your productivity. For example, “I understand this might be inconvenient, but uninterrupted time helps me complete my tasks more effectively.”
• Managing Feelings of Guilt: Remember, boundaries benefit everyone. When you’re clear about your limits, it leads to better work outcomes and a healthier workplace environment.
• Communicating with Your Manager: If your manager pushes for more availability, have a transparent conversation about your workload. Explain how maintaining these boundaries will help you stay effective and prevent burnout.

Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries During NO-vember

The holiday season is a time to recharge, so don’t let work demands override your personal well-being. Here are some ways to set and maintain boundaries effectively:

?? Prioritize Tasks

Use a tool like the Eisenhower Matrix to identify which tasks are urgent and important. This approach can help you focus on high-impact work and say no to low-priority tasks.

?? Use Scheduled Breaks

Implement techniques like the Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break—to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

?? Automate Where Possible

If you’re fielding frequent requests or emails, try setting up an autoresponder or using tools that allow you to manage communications during specific hours.

Boundaries protect your time and help you build a sustainable career. By setting and respecting work boundaries, you can avoid holiday burnout and return to work in the new year with renewed energy.

This NO-vember, commit to putting yourself first. Start small, be consistent, and watch how boundaries positively transform your work experience. By saying no to unnecessary tasks and interruptions, you’re saying yes to well-being and long-term success.

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