Personal responsibility means that we must take control of our own working hours and free time. As long as we complete our tasks, we should have the freedom to decide when and how we work. However, it’s important to be aware of the risk that work and personal time can blur together, often leading to poor health and burnout. Personal responsibility involves setting clear boundaries to protect our health and well-being.
I have no issue with someone choosing to work on a Saturday evening if it fits their schedule, and I also respect those who stick strictly to office hours. What I oppose is when people don’t set aside time for themselves and are constantly available for work. No one can thrive by always being “on.”
Personal responsibility is about taking care of yourself AND respecting your colleagues. It means understanding their work habits, their boundaries, and how they separate work from personal time. Having a boss or coworker who sends messages in the evenings or on weekends doesn’t mean you have to respond right away. You have every right to wait and reply during your own working hours.
However, if someone constantly works evenings, weekends, and office hours without respecting their own or others’ boundaries, it’s a clear warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
Relational leadership is incredibly effective. Through close relationships between leaders and employees, and among colleagues, we can understand how each person works and how we best function together.
Have a brilliant day!
Ulf Lidman
