Due to the pandemic, many employees are reevaluating their work-life balance. It's becoming increasingly difficult to separate work from personal life, and maintaining good mental health is essential. However, setting boundaries and communicating your needs can be challenging, especially if you fear consequences. In this article, we'll explore why setting boundaries is essential for achieving work-life balance and maintaining mental health.
According to the American Psychological Association, 44% of workers reported increased stress levels over the past five years, and 56% said their job was a significant source of stress. In addition, a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that job stress is associated with health problems. To set boundaries, ensure your position description aligns with your expectations. Before accepting a job offer, clarify what's expected and negotiate if necessary.
Communicating with your employer regularly is crucial. If you're struggling, speak up, and work together to find solutions. Remember, you're not obliged to go beyond your job requirements, and negotiating compensation and workload is crucial to avoid burnout. Quiet quitting, where employees reduce their workload or disengage from their jobs, can be a way to prioritize mental health, but communicating needs with the employer is necessary. Achieving work-life balance is crucial, and setting boundaries and communicating needs are essential to achieving it.