TaskHuman Talks: Workplace Boundaries Start With Better Communication
May 19, 2025
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3 min read
In this TaskHuman Talks Podcast episode, coaches Jamie Carroll and Tara O’Brien explore what it really means to set boundaries at work — and how to do it in a way that fosters connection rather than conflict.
As Tara points out, many people approach boundary-setting as a one-sided act: “I have to set these boundaries and then apply them to other people.” But a more collaborative approach can be far more effective: “I have some needs that I’d like to get met, and I’d like to be in conversation with you about them.”
This shift—from enforcing boundaries at others to communicating needs with others—helps create shared understanding and reduces tension. Boundaries aren’t about controlling others; they’re about aligning your time and energy with what matters most. There are no rigid rules—boundaries can be both consistent and flexible. The key is staying grounded in your values, managing emotional reactions like guilt or fear of missing out, and making intentional choices that support your well-being and your team’s success.
Boundaries In Today’s Work Context
Regardless of the context, boundaries are all about intention. In the clip below, Coach Tara shares the magic equation for setting boundaries at work. Self-awareness + intentional communication = effective boundary-setting.
Understanding When It’s Time To Set A Boundary
Tuning into your physical response and reflecting on your needs can be powerful indicators that a boundary could be beneficial. As Tara points out below, consider the last time someone asked you to do something for them, where you instinctively reacted with a heavy sigh. What caused that reaction? What was required to sacrifice to meet another person’s request or deadline? The more you respond to requests with authenticity and honesty about your capacity, the more you lead by example in work interactions.
Challenges To Setting Boundaries
Nervous system regulation (what happens when you say no to requests?) and over-communication (what happens if you’re honest about your needs?) are key elements to overcoming challenges in setting boundaries. Boundaries can feel more intimidating than they need to. Remember, you’re not setting boundaries around other people’s behaviors, you’re setting expectations around yourself so others know what to expect. Tara and Jamie offer examples of boundary-setting where you can feel more empowered at work.
The Role Of Technology In Boundary-Setting
Having 24/7 access to work hasn’t always been the norm, and many teams are still relearning how to engage with one another. To identify boundaries needed to organize your work effectively, factors like team dynamics, meeting norms, and communication play a critical role.
Related Reading: How To Set Professional Goals With Boundaries
Maintain Boundaries With Communication & Consistency
While consistency is crucial, flexibility is required with boundaries to address urgent needs in the workplace. For example, you can honor your usual “deep-work” time by doing impact-driven work that contributes to a project. For further transparency, communicate how your deep work time is being utilized to contribute to the larger team’s goals.
Further, clarifying communication between you and the larger team can help get everyone on the same page. For example, when someone says something is “urgent” or “important,” what does that mean? What are the expectations around that? The more specific the request, the clearer you can be in your response.
Tips For Setting Boundaries Today
Coach Tara offers four actions to begin your boundary-setting journey today:
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Observe your organization and the systems you’re operating within — What tools are used, and how is success defined?
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Conduct an emotional exercise — What systems or contexts do you function best in? What is your ideal workday like? What helps you do your best work?
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Reflect on the intellectual and emotional components above. Where is the alignment, and where are the gaps? What do you need to ask for?
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Know your technology and what it can do for you — Scheduling, do not disturb, notification settings, etc.
Ready to set boundaries and improve relationships and productivity at work? Connect with Tara O’Brien for more guidance on identifying and honoring boundaries aligned with your needs.