Navigating Office Etiquette: Keeping Work Boundaries on Your Day Off

Work-life balance is a crucial element in maintaining both personal and professional well-being. While technology has made it easier for employers to monitor and expect employee availability, setting clear boundaries is essential. Here's how you can handle a call from your manager during your day off without compromising your personal time.

1. Understanding Your Obligations

It's important to recognize that just because you're off work, you're not obligated to be available. Unless you're on call for an emergency, your day off is a time to recharge and enjoy personal time.

What to Say:

A simple and respectful response is:

I was away from my phone most of the day and didn’t see your message until late.

This indicates that you were not intentionally ignoring the call, but rather preoccupied with personal matters.

2. Establishing Boundaries

Many employees face the expectation from employers that they should be available 24/7. However, this is a misguided expectation. It's crucial to establish that you can enjoy your personal time without work intruding.

What to Say:

Responsive yet firm, you can explain:

It was my day off and I am not on call. I don't have a work-related obligation to be available during this time.

3. Handling Missed Calls and Messages

While technology has made it easy to contact people, it's important to respect someone's personal time. If you miss a call, respond with a polite message:

Common Excuses:

I was tired and catching up on sleep and didn’t see your message. I was driving/visiting friends and didn’t see your message. I was at the gym/on a hike/on a long run and didn’t see your message. I was running errands/working on some house projects and didn’t see your message.

If your manager leaves multiple messages and it starts to infringe on your personal time, consider setting a specific response to guide them.

Example Response:

Dear [Manager’s Name], Thank you for your message. I was away from my phone most of the day and wasn't able to catch it in time. I understand the urgency of the matter, and I will be available to discuss it in detail tomorrow once I return to the office. Best regards, [Your Name]

4. Representing Your Day Off Correctly

When you're off work, it's important to honor your day off and not use it for work-related activities. Here are some scenarios:

Scenario 1: Leaving the Phone At Home

I was at the beach, and I left my phone at home to fully enjoy the day.

Scenario 2: Phone Settings

I always set my phone to silent on my day off, ensuring I can focus on personal time without interruptions.

Scenario 3: No Work on Off Days

I don't work on my day off. I use this time for personal renewal and relaxation.

These responses clearly communicate that your day off is a dedicated time for personal activities and not work-related tasks.

Conclusion

Setting clear boundaries and understanding your obligations can help maintain a healthy work-life balance. By handling missed calls and messages politely and respectfully, you can ensure that your personal time is respected and valued.

Remember, while technology can be a tool, it's also important to set limits and communicate effectively to protect your personal time.