{"id":7795,"date":"2022-11-29T09:38:33","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T09:38:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tpcleadership.com\/uk-en\/uncategorized\/managing-virtual-teams-in-the-professional-service-sector-setting-boundaries\/"},"modified":"2025-04-20T17:35:39","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T16:35:39","slug":"managing-virtual-teams-in-the-professional-service-sector-setting-boundaries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tpcleadership.com\/uk-en\/developing-leaders\/managing-virtual-teams-in-the-professional-service-sector-setting-boundaries\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Virtual Teams in the Professional Service Sector: Setting Boundaries\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this series TPC Leadership wants to lend a helping hand to Professional Service organisations and dive into discussions surrounding virtual teams. In this eighth blog, we consider the responsibilities team leader\u2019s have to create and model a work culture with healthy boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is it important to set boundaries?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u201cSetting boundaries is essential for mental health and wellbeing,\u201d says Frouke Horstmann<\/a>, Managing Partner at TPC Leadership. In today\u2019s technologically advanced, global business environment, work demands are high \u2014 people can spend 12-14 hours behind a screen which can lead to burnout. <\/span>A 2016 report conducted by Kronos and Future Workspace<\/span><\/a> revealed that employee burnout was responsible for a striking 20-50% of their annual employee turnover.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you set boundaries?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u201cAs a team leader, you have a huge amount of responsibility and power to set boundaries that protect your team,\u201d says Charles Brook<\/a>, Founder and Managing Partner at TPC Leadership. \u201cFirst, take a step back and review what you\u2019re doing. Look at what\u2019s working and what isn\u2019t and then do a reset.\u201d The aim is to become more effective, efficient and healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charles explains the boundaries he sets for himself. \u201cI don\u2019t start work early and I have a rigid routine with a clear finish time. I eat a healthy breakfast and for the first half hour of each day, I block \u2018creative time\u2019 in my diary, when I focus on creative development of one area of responsibility.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Frouke recalls a client who models admirable rules of engagement. The company has quiet Friday afternoons when there are no meetings. Meetings are only held between 9-5 and always set for just 50 minutes. Employees are encouraged to take time to rest and exercise. \u201cBecause boundaries are clear,\u201d says Frouke, \u201cpeople feel safe to sustain a work \/ life balance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the ROI on setting boundaries?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Any change is difficult and takes energy, but the advantages of setting boundaries are huge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cResearch shows that our brains are too active nowadays,\u201d says Frouke. \u201cWhen we work all the time, we only use one part of our brain. Doing other things activates different parts of the brain, stimulating ideas, innovation and improving decision-making.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Boundaries increase employee engagement. \u201cIf people can feel multidimensional,\u201d explains Frouke, \u201cif they have leisure time to be themselves and are allowed to take on deeper work as well as the to-do list, there is a much stronger sense of belonging, a willingness to contribute and an intrinsic motivation to be wholly engaged and productive when at work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Setting boundaries has a positive impact on retention, recruitment and marketing. Leaders who model boundaries show the younger generation that it\u2019s possible to be a high achiever with huge responsibilities as well as enjoy a healthy, rewarding life outside work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Promoting a culture of work \/ life balance reduces employee burnout at all levels. \u201cIt raises aspirations and makes people proud to be a part of your organisation,\u201d says Frouke. \u201cAnd the best marketing is what your employees say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Your weekly challenge<\/b><\/p>\n