"Boundaries" is the new buzzy word that the University of California at Berkeley describes as the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. People with healthy boundaries can say "no" to others when an opportunity isn't right for them but are also comfortable opening themselves up to intimacy and close relationships.

As Iyanla Vanzant defines it: “A personal boundary is an invisible line you draw within yourself and around yourself to identify what is acceptable and not acceptable to you”.

When we think about creating guidelines for what we "want and don't want," most of us probably think about intimate relationships—like with a significant other or family members.

However, it is just as vital to set those standards at work.

"Boundaries in the workplace are essential for fostering a healthy work-life balance. Clear, definitive boundaries reduce the risk of potential emotional distress and drama that can arise from blurred lines, including burnout, workplace-induced anxiety, and depression," says Dr. Rose Moten, clinical psychologist, author, and speaker.

Moten owns BLOOM Transformation Center in Detroit where she provides life transformation coaching, trauma release solutions, and transformative wellness retreats both domestically and internationally.

Dr. KimArie Yowell, a DEI leader and HR professional in the FinTech industry, agrees, "Boundaries at work are important because the lack of boundaries can negatively impact working relationships, a person's career, and/or their mental health. When clear boundaries are set, people know what they are dealing with and what they can and cannot do. It also prevents a person from feeling frustrated or taken advantage of."

Moten explains that this "could be as simple as insisting coworkers address you by your preferred name as opposed to a nickname or shortened version of your name a boss, or coworker finds cute or easier to pronounce, or remember."

Dr. Moten has a trick called the 3 Cs of boundary setting:

Be clear - Instead of trying to avoid hurting feelings, be clear and concise in what your boundaries are and make sure they are understood. Ex: "I don't address phone calls or emails after hours for the sake of my work-life balance."

Be conscientious - To create harmony and maintain your peace, avoid being around gossip. And if someone enters your space with that form of negativity, don't engage. Realize that whatever behavior you crack the door to may be perceived as wide open for others to go in and out of.

Be consistent  - Resist the urge to become lax in enforcing your boundaries if you have decided no after-hours work, stick to it, or make it clear that it will not become a recurring habit.

While setting expectations in many situations may be easy, it is more challenging between a manager and a direct report.

"Boundaries are even more important and necessary in workplace relationships with a differential power structure," explained Dr. Moten. Within that dynamic, the same behaviors or comments interpreted as benign amongst colleagues considered equal in terms of power structure may come off as utterly insensitive from a supervisor or manager. "This could result in legal claims," she said.

"It's important first to make sure you and your leader are clear on [what] the expectations [are] for your role," said Dr. Yowell.  This can mean articulating what you need to complete your tasks and meet deadlines.

Additionally, you want to navigate your relationship with your work bestie professionally.

"For people I have friendships with and work with, we are very clear on the line between the two. It's important to have those conversations early and as often as needed so that you do not damage the friendship or the working relationship," says Dr. Yowell.

Still, that kind of personal interaction is crucial.  "The Surgeon General recently indicated that loneliness is a national epidemic. With that being said, people are more than ever seeking meaningful connections with others, and the workplace has always been a convenient place to do so," explained Dr. Moten

She adds, "However, it's increasingly becoming clearer that we hold a personal and professional responsibility to communicate our boundaries while respecting others."

Boundaries are helpful in having success at work by preventing burnout and limiting frustration because we spend so much time at our jobs. Ensure you set and enforce your standards that allow you to be your best self.