Time: 30-45 mins

STEP 1: Arrange a dedicated 30-minute meeting with your manager (or team members), either in person or virtually, to discuss after-hours work boundaries. Choose a time when both of you can focus without distractions, and communicate the purpose in advance (“I’d like to discuss how we can set clear boundaries for after-hours work to support my productivity and well-being”).

STEP 2: Prepare and present clear, reasonable boundaries to protect your downtime. Examples include:

• No work-related emails, calls, or messages after 7:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends, unless urgent.
• Limiting after-hours communication to one designated channel (e.g., text messages) for critical issues only.

NOTE: Clarify that these boundaries aim to enhance your focus and energy during work hours. Be open to discussing how these boundaries align with team expectations and project demands.

STEP 3: Agree on a clear protocol for situations requiring after-hours contact. Examples include:

• Define “emergency” (critical project deadlines, system outages, or client escalations).
• Specify the preferred method for urgent contact (a direct phone call or text instead of email).
• Document the protocol in writing (in an email summary or shared document) to ensure mutual understanding and accountability.

STEP 4: After two weeks, schedule a 15-minute follow-up meeting with your manager or team members to evaluate the agreement’s effectiveness. Reflect on:

• Did the boundaries allow me to rest and recharge effectively?
• Were there instances where boundaries were breached, and why?
• Does the emergency protocol need clarification or adjustment? 

Based on feedback, refine the agreement.