What are boundaries anyway?!

Understanding Boundaries in the Workplace: A Key to Thriving in Your Career

In my 24 years of experience in recruitment, particularly interviewing PAs, EAs, and support staff professionals across London, one recurring theme is the struggle to set healthy boundaries. Whether you’re in administration, recruitment, or any other sector, setting boundaries is essential for maintaining mental health, well-being, and professional success.

For those in roles like PA or EA, especially within the fast-paced London recruitment scene, the challenge of setting boundaries can be particularly daunting. You may feel guilty or selfish at first, but healthy boundaries are crucial for thriving in your career and ensuring your relationships, both professional and personal, remain strong and positive.

What Are Boundaries?

Understanding boundaries is the first step. Here’s a breakdown:

Physical Boundaries: These involve personal space and touch. For example, knowing when a handshake is appropriate versus a hug or when it's necessary to knock before entering your boss's office. Violating physical boundaries could mean invading someone’s space or touching them without consent.
Intellectual Boundaries: Respecting others' ideas is key, especially in discussions. Are you discussing the weather or diving into politics? Intellectual boundaries can be crossed when someone's ideas or thoughts are belittled or dismissed.
Emotional Boundaries: These involve sharing personal information appropriately. For example, gradually revealing personal details rather than overwhelming someone on the first meeting. Emotional boundaries are crossed when someone’s feelings are invalidated or criticised.
Material Boundaries: Deciding what you share and with whom is vital. You might lend your car to a family member but not to a coworker you just met. Material boundaries are violated when someone pressures you to lend or give them your possessions.
Time Boundaries: Managing time effectively is crucial in the recruitment and administration fields. Time boundaries are crossed when, for example, a boss expects a response to emails late at night despite clear working hours being established.

The Importance of Respecting Boundaries

While setting boundaries is important, respecting the boundaries of others is equally crucial. This applies to interactions with everyone—from colleagues to clients, to friends and family. In the high-stakes world of London recruitment, where roles like EA and PA often involve close, personal working relationships, mutual respect for boundaries can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.

Your Thoughts?

How easy is it for you to set healthy boundaries in your career as a PA, EA, or within the administration sector? Do you have any tips for setting and respecting boundaries? We'd love to hear your insights. Join our Development Academy and connect with a community of like-minded professionals who understand the unique challenges of the London recruitment industry.