Using boundaries to manage workload

Mark Solomons - creator of triple ERA and GESS Judges Commendation Award-winning Welbee, an online evaluation and staff wellbeing improvement tool - author of ‘What Makes Teachers Unhappy and What Can You Do About It?’, and an acclaimed wellbeing expert with over 14 years’ experience developing leadership and culture in education, shares his insights into managing workload.

Establishing clear boundaries helps to clarify roles, expectations and the time available to fulfil them, which can facilitate more effective workload management. The close-knit nature of a school community makes this even more important. If staff feel unable to set boundaries, or if those set are not respected, wellbeing will decline, stress levels heighten, and resentment grow.

Leaders often feel obliged to respond immediately and always be available to everyone. This creates conflicting demands on time and an increase in stress. Setting and abiding by clear boundaries can reduce this conflict. Whether it's from ourselves or others, pressure to work when you're not feeling 100% can be damaging in the long run. Implementing boundaries helps cement the importance of self-care and promotes workplace wellbeing.