How to Maintain Personal Boundaries in the Workplace

Almost every person in the workplace has experienced confusion about personal boundaries while on the clock. We like our co-workers and supervisors to the point where we spend time with them outside of working hours. We become so close that we can forget to maintain professional manners at work--which can get us into trouble.On the flip side of the coin are the co-workers or supervisors who attempt to get too close for our comfort.

Instructions

1. Develop a good awareness of your personal boundaries--the "space" you maintain between your physical (and emotional) self and others. Try to learn your boundaries while in the company of your friends, relatives, peers and strangers. Your space with each category will probably be different. Practice setting your boundaries by maintaining physical space and emotional space before taking your awareness to your workplace.

2. Learn your employer's policies and practices regarding workplace relationships. If dating between co-workers is frowned upon or outright forbidden, respect that policy. Set strong boundaries between yourself and supervisors, especially when it comes to male-female interest or attraction.

3. Limit personal one-on-one time with professional peers to lunch breaks and off-hours times. If you choose to develop a friendship outside the workplace with one of your co-workers, be aware that one of you could be promoted above the other, which will significantly change your personal and professional relationships. Plan leisure activities for evenings or weekends and respect your work relationship with each other.

4. While on the company's time, stay focused on your tasks, projects and assignments. If you get scheduled breaks during your work day, you can spend that time with your friend(s), relaxing, eating a snack and visiting. Be especially careful to maintain a professional demeanor with your supervisor who may also be a friend. Limit your visits to breaks, if you take them together.

5. Keep any romantic relationships private--if your company allows dating between co-workers. As in a previous step, maintain a professional demeanor while on company time. Remember that your relationship could go sour, and the resulting poor feelings can spill over and affect your co-workers and supervisors.

6. If you are a supervisor dating a subordinate, keep your relationship under wraps until you know your company's policy on supervisor/subordinate dating relationships. Try to keep your relationship as private as possible until you or your partner can make a decision about who will seek employment elsewhere.

7. Be respectful of your co-workers, supervisors or subordinates when they let you know they want to keep their relationships with you professional. It doesn't matter if you are male or female, supervisor or subordinate, the stakes are just too high to risk ignoring the personal boundaries of others in your company.

Tips & Warnings

• If your company does not explicitly rule out dating relationships, make a commitment to be careful and respect your partner's boundaries and position at work. Make it clear that you expect the same treatment.

• If a personal friendship or romantic relationship goes sour, be professional enough to keep the negative feelings and behaviors away from your workplace.

• Do not waste your employer's time and money by going to your co-worker's office to gossip.

• Do not get physical--or romantic--with your boyfriend or girlfriend at the office.

• Do not continue making romantic overtures if your co-worker has told you she does not want a personal relationship with you. You could find yourself on the wrong end of a sexual harassment complaint.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish