Boundaries have to be shared and explained from day 1, in my view. In this way, misunderstandings or even conflict can be avoided. And, ideally, these should be shared in writing form (something like an agreement or terms of business). To 'avoid burnout and stress' goes far beyond setting and maintaining boundaries. One needs to engage in healthy daily stress management activities and coping mechanisms (specifically helpful for them) which will keep burnout at bay. The first step here is to actually become aware of what causes stress and how you react to that particular trigger. I always share with my clients 'you cannot change what you are not aware of' and this is so true when it comes to stress management and resilience building.

A mes yeux, gérer une relation client tout en fixant des limites claires est un exercice d’équilibre. En définissant dès le début un cadre (notamment avec les horaires et délais), en communiquant de manière proactive (être transparent sur l'avancée ou éventuel retard) et en satisfaisant les besoins des clients sans sacrifier notre propre bien-être, nous créons des conditions d’une collaboration fluide et durable. En ce qui me concerne, fixer des limites n’est pas un manque d’engagement, mais une preuve de professionnalisme. C’est en prenant soin de nous que l'on pourra offrir le meilleur à nos clients. L’objectif est bien de transformer la gestion client en une collaboration fluide et enrichissante pour toutes les parties.

I wrote an article about setting boundaries and saying „no“ in the workplace. My quick summary: Why is it difficult to set boundaries? - Fear of disappointing others - Fear of missing out on an opportunity - Feeling obligated to your responsibilities or workplace cultur - Wanting to be helpful How to Say “No” Effectively - Be direct and concise - Offer a brief explanation - Suggest alternatives - Be appreciative For Example: „Thanks for reaching out to me. Unfortunately, I’m currently at capacity with my workload and won’t be able to take on anything new at the time. Perhaps my colleague is available to assist” If you practice this you can benefit from improved focus&work-life-balance, increased productivity and enhanced self-esteem.

"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you." – Anne Lamott Feeling overwhelmed with tasks? Here are some actionable steps from top self-care strategies: ↳ Watch for the Signs: Stay alert to symptoms like loss of energy, enthusiasm, or effectiveness. ↳ Take Care of Your Health: Eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and prioritize breaks. ↳ Maintain Work-Life Balance: Manage your time, set boundaries, and enjoy non-work activities. ↳ Reduce Stress: Address root causes like poor communication or workload issues. ↳ Find Meaning and Purpose: Align your work with your core values and passions.

Primeiramente, o cliente precisa saber dos limites para a execução de um projeto. Precisamos ser claros com o mesmo e falar sobre prazos de entrega, demanda de funcionários (em caso de mais de uma pessoa envolvida), delimitar o horário de trabalho, para que nada disso seja abusivo para quem está executando o trabalho e que não seja irreal para quem solicitou. Também é importante acordar todos os pontos do trabalho antes de começá-lo, para que não seja solicitado nada fora do escopo; em caso de uma solicitação surpresa, educadamente recusar e mostrar ao cliente que tudo será cumprido conforme o combinado. Tudo deve ser explicado de uma forma muito objetiva, porque há clientes que realmente exigem soluções e prazos fantasiosos.

Setting boundaries is not about rejecting your clients; it’s about creating an environment where you can work effectively and sustainably. Healthy boundaries allow you to provide the best service without sacrificing your mental or physical health. By communicating openly, staying true to your needs, and respecting your time, you can avoid burnout and continue to build strong, positive relationships with your clients.

Estabelecer limites claros com os clientes é fundamental para evitar esgotamento e preservar a qualidade do trabalho. Defina expectativas logo no início, incluindo prazos, escopo e horários de disponibilidade, comunicando-os de forma assertiva e profissional. Priorize uma agenda equilibrada, reservando tempo para pausas e atividades que promovam bem-estar. Aprenda a delegar tarefas e a dizer "não" quando necessário, garantindo que suas capacidades sejam respeitadas. Acima de tudo, cultive a autodisciplina e mantenha um diálogo aberto, mostrando que limites saudáveis beneficiam tanto você quanto o cliente.

No trabajar a horas intempestivas ni horarios fuera de lo habitual. Acostumbrar al cliente que no estamos 24 horas a su disposición. También si es necesario decir no pues hacerlo por la salud de nosotros mismos. No todo vale ante un cliente. Si necesitas pararle los pies, debes hacerlo.

Según mi experiencia fuera de horario laboral; realizar actividades recreativas para establecer una equilibrio emocional en lo laboral y lo personal

- Clear communication and Coordination is very essential to avoid burnout. - Measure best alternatives before taking or executing any decision for your plans to avoid any uncertain calamities. - Define ongoing priorities, if negotiation occurs meeting it meticulously without disturbing any factors of production services.