10 Boundary Setting Phrases to Use in the Workplace

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Navigating the corporate world can be overwhelming, and setting boundaries is crucial to maintaining mental and physical well-being. Here are ten boundary-setting phrases you can use to establish clear boundaries and protect your time and energy.

1. “I need to set some boundaries around my work hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.”

Establishing clear boundaries around working hours is essential to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Use this phrase to communicate that you must set boundaries around your working hours to prioritize your well-being.

2. “I won’t be able to work on that project until I receive clear instructions and a timeline.”

Having clear instructions and a timeline is crucial to complete a project effectively. Use this phrase to communicate that you need more information before committing to a project to ensure that you can complete it to the best of your abilities.

3. “I’m not comfortable working on weekends, but I’m happy to prioritize this task on Monday.”

Establishing boundaries around working on weekends is essential to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones. Use this phrase to communicate that you won’t work on weekends but prioritize the task on Monday to ensure that the work is completed on time.

4. “I prefer to communicate through Slack or text instead of email to streamline our communication.”

Emails can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Use this phrase to communicate that you prefer to communicate through Slack or text to streamline communication and minimize distractions.

5. “I appreciate the opportunity to learn, but I need some support and guidance to be able to complete this task effectively.”

Learning new skills and taking on new challenges is essential for personal and professional growth. Use this phrase to communicate that you need support and guidance to effectively complete a task to ensure you’re set up for success.

6. “I need some time to disconnect from work and recharge, so I’ll be offline for the weekend.”

Disconnecting from work and taking time to recharge is crucial for mental and physical well-being. Use this phrase to communicate that you won’t be available to prioritize your well-being over the weekend.

7. “I won’t be able to attend that meeting, but I can provide an update via email later today.”

Sometimes, attending a meeting isn’t possible due to other commitments. Use this phrase to communicate that you won’t be able to attend but can provide an update via email to ensure that everyone is informed and on the same page.

8. “I need to take a break to refocus and come back with fresh ideas.”

Taking breaks is essential to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. Use this phrase to communicate that you need to take a break to refocus and come back with fresh ideas to ensure that you can perform at your best.

9. “I’m not comfortable discussing personal matters at work, but I’m happy to listen and support as a colleague.”

Establishing boundaries around personal matters is essential to protect privacy and respect personal boundaries. Use this phrase to communicate that you’re not comfortable discussing personal matters but are happy to listen and support as a colleague.

10. “I’m willing to help, but I need some clarification on the expectations and the timeline before I commit to this task.”

It’s essential to have clarity around expectations and timelines to ensure that you can complete a task effectively. Use this phrase to communicate that you’re willing to help but need clarification to ensure that you’re set up for success.

Setting boundaries is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance, protecting mental and physical well-being, and performing at your best. Determine what’s most important to you in your work and personal life, be upfront about what you’re willing and not willing to do and own the boundaries that best work for YOU!

About the Author

Brianna Paruolo is a provisionally licensed mindfulness therapist in NYC who works with models, athletes, influencers, students, and young professionals in New York City. Together they work to overcome burnout and negative self-talk so her clients can thrive academically, athletically, professionally, and in their relationships. Send her an email at [email protected] to connect today!

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