Working from home can feel like having your office in your bedroom – weird, distracting, and potentially a recipe for burnout.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The key? Boundaries.

Without clear lines between work and personal life, you’ll end up answering Slack messages at 11 PM while your dinner gets cold and Netflix auto-plays in the background.

I’ve been working remotely for years now, and I’ve learned (the hard way) that setting boundaries isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential for your sanity, productivity, and relationships.

So let’s dive into how to create and maintain boundaries that actually stick when your commute is just walking from your bed to your desk.

Creating Work-From-Home Boundaries That Actually Stick

Know What You Need (Before You Ask For It)

Before you can set boundaries with your team, you need to figure out what boundaries actually matter to you.

Ask yourself:

• When do I want to be “off the clock”? 9-5? 8-6? Something else?
• How quickly am I expected to respond to messages and emails?
• What communication channels work best for different types of interactions?
• How much work can I realistically handle in a day without burning out?

This isn’t just about making a wishlist – it’s about identifying what you truly need to be productive and happy.

One study found that remote workers who set clear boundaries reported 26% higher job satisfaction than those who didn’t. That’s a pretty big difference!

Create Physical Boundaries (Even in Small Spaces)

Your brain needs visual cues to switch between “work mode” and “home mode” – especially when both happen in the same building.

Even if you don’t have a separate office, you can:

• Set up a dedicated desk that’s only for work
• Use a room divider or bookshelf to create separation
• Change the lighting when you’re working vs. relaxing
• Have a “work chair” that’s different from your “relaxing chair”

When I first started working from home, I worked from my couch. Bad idea. My back hurt, I was constantly distracted, and I never felt like I was truly “off work.”

Now? I have a desk in the corner of my living room. When I’m at that desk, I’m working. When I’m not, I’m not. Simple, but effective.

Set and Defend Your Work Hours

When your office is your home, it’s tempting to be “always on.” Don’t fall into this trap.

Try these tactics:

• Set clear working hours in your calendar and email signature
• Use status indicators in Slack/Teams to show when you’re available
• Create start and end-of-day rituals to mentally transition
• Turn off work notifications after hours

The most important part? Consistency. If you respond to non-urgent messages at 9 PM, you’re training your team to expect that from you.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that clear boundaries between work and personal life significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout. Your mental health will thank you!

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Your boundaries only work if people know about them.

Have direct conversations with:

• Your manager about expectations and working hours
• Your team about response times and availability
• Your household members about when you need focus time

Instead of saying “I can’t work late,” try “I’m available from 9 AM to 5 PM, and I prioritize urgent tasks within those hours.”

Frame boundaries as a way to maintain your productivity, not limit it. This makes it easier for managers to get on board.

One of my coworkers puts her working hours right in her email signature – genius! Now nobody expects a response at 7 PM.

Create Tech Boundaries (Before Tech Controls You)

Technology should help you work, not enslave you to work 24/7.

Smart tech boundaries include:

• Removing work apps from your personal phone
• Using separate browsers for work and personal stuff
• Setting up “Do Not Disturb” modes during focus time
• Using apps like Freedom or RescueTime to block distractions

I keep work apps off my phone completely. Why? Because I know myself – if Slack is on my phone, I’ll check it during dinner. And that’s not the life I want to live.

Set Boundaries With Yourself (The Hardest Part)

Let’s be honest – sometimes the person most likely to violate your boundaries is you.

Self-boundaries might include:

• Defining what “enough” work looks like each day
• Taking actual lunch breaks away from your desk
• Stopping work at a consistent time
• Having a shutdown ritual (like closing your laptop and saying “work is done!”)

According to Harvard Business Review, one of the biggest challenges of remote work is overworking, not underworking. The average remote worker puts in 48.5 minutes more per day than their office counterparts.

Plan for When Boundaries Get Crossed

Even with perfect boundaries, someone will eventually ask you to work late, respond on weekends, or take on too much.

Be prepared by:

• Having scripts ready for common boundary violations
• Offering alternatives rather than just saying no
• Being willing to make occasional exceptions (but not the rule)
• Having a plan for escalation if boundaries are repeatedly crossed

Remember: Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re guidelines that help you do your best work while maintaining your well-being.

I once had a manager who constantly messaged me after hours. Instead of ignoring her, I scheduled a 15-minute chat where I explained that I couldn’t deliver quality work if I was always “on.” We compromised with a system for true emergencies. Problem solved!

Don’t Forget to Take Time Off

One of the weirdest parts of remote work? Taking vacation can feel strange. When you already work from home, what’s the difference?

But time off is crucial. Make sure you:

• Actually use your vacation days
• Fully disconnect during time off (set an OOO message!)
• Take regular breaks throughout the workday
• Schedule “mental health days” when needed

The refreshed feeling after a true break is worth its weight in gold for your productivity and creativity.

The Bottom Line on Boundaries

Setting boundaries when working from home isn’t selfish – it’s smart.

Good boundaries lead to:

• Higher quality work
• Better focus
• Improved relationships
• Less burnout
• More enjoyment of both work and personal time

Without them, remote work can quickly turn into “always working,” and nobody wants that life.

The best part? Your boundaries create permission for others to set theirs too. By modeling healthy work habits, you help create a culture where everyone can thrive – whether they’re working from a corporate office or their kitchen table.

So tomorrow morning, before you open that laptop, ask yourself: “What boundaries do I need today?” Your future self will thank you.