Boundaries in Communication and Connection
In an age where we are so connected and have access to so much information, we often feel less capable and less productive than we think we should be because our memory and attention span is scattered. We are inundated with news from around the world, virtual connections with people, dings and buzzes to remind us to walk or check a text, and expectations to be available 24/7. The idea that multi-tasking is a skill is a myth. It is really just divided attention and not being able to focus on one thing at a time to execute well. With increased connectivity has come the perception of Technology Induced ADD, which explains how “the evolution of technology and our ability to communicate more rapidly has created an environment where humans have a need for immediate gratification, high expectations, and low tolerances.”
We hear a lot about the need for boundaries these days. People’s lives have become so complex and intertwined that it has become harder to compartmentalize work from home. This is even more so with the rise of remote work. When the work is in your home, you can so easily be tempted or expected to communicate outside of your standard work hours. A number of European countries and the province of Ontario have implemented policies for the ‘Right to Disconnect’, which is defined as “the right of an employee not to be expected to engage in business activity out of hours including answering work calls, emails, or other work-related communications.” While these rules are meant to protect employees and encourage balance in life, there should be some room for discussion of what works best for each employee’s unique situation and what they are comfortable with. Even if it’s not a law in other provinces yet, it is still an area to be mindful and considerate of. If you want your employees to perform their best and produce quality work, allowing them time and space to disconnect is imperative.
As a manager you might feel constantly interrupted, distracted and sidetracked. You can train people how to interact with you. Too liberal of an ‘open-door policy’ is not always conducive to healthy and efficient working arrangements. You might encourage your employees to schedule a check in rather than shoot off every question as soon as it pops up. In any relationship, having clear expectations and communication can prevent a magnitude of frustration and stress.
The idea that ‘less is more’ and ‘rest is productive’ might sound counterintuitive, but if we want to support employee wellbeing and prevent burnout it is important to set boundaries and disconnect in order to decompress, recharge and bring our best to the present situation we are in at any given time.