How do you set boundaries between your work and personal life in an organization that expects you to be reachable 24/7? What are some ways to push back against that “always on” mentality?
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This has been a struggle for me and my team, but we've pushed customers to use ticketing systems, and I encourage everyone to reject meetings that don't respect our calendars.
To balance work and personal life in a 24/7 role, I set clear protocols for emergencies (escalation plans with designated decision makers), trust my team to handle most issues (hire the right folks and trust their decisions), and prioritize downtime to recharge. I push back against the "always-on" mindset by showing that these practices lead to better morale, but it hinges on project deliverables and SLA/SLOs being measured correctly and met.
I think you still need to let people know your core hours and during other hours, you will try to get back to them when you are available.
Unpopular opinion, but if the job expects you to be reachable 24/7, and you are not, then it's time to find a new job. You will cause continuous friction by pushing back. If you're not at that point in your career / lifestyle, then find a job that aligns more closely.
Listen, I've been there. As a founder, the "always on" culture can be a real killer. I've learned a few tricks to keep my sanity without dropping the ball. First things first, you've got to define what "balance" means for you and your team. For me, it's about being present when I'm with my family and focused when I'm at work. Prioritize like your life depends on it. Create a physical divide, so when I'm home, I have a dedicated workspace. When I leave that space, work stays there. It's a mental trick. Also, I've shifted a lot of our communication to async channels. It allows for flexibility without the expectation of immediate responses. I make it clear to my teams that I care about results, not how many hours they're logged in. This shift in focus helps everyone work smarter, not longer.
Communication is really key in setting boundaries. I'm upfront about when I'm available and when I'm not. I also schedule personal time just like I block time for meetings. It's in my calendar and treated with the same respect as any other appointment. Remember, being "always on" doesn't mean you're performing well. In fact, it often leads to burnout and decreased productivity. A refreshed and balanced team is far more productive than one that's burnt out.