News

Setting boundaries makes you more valuable at work and happier

May 3, 2026/

Setting firm time boundaries boosts happiness and accelerates executive advancement.

A coaching practice tracked 47 C-suite executives over two years, finding those who protect their availability advance faster and report greater happiness. This challenges the notion that constant availability defines value, emphasizing instead strategic attention investment.

One VP, Sarah, ceased responding to emails after 7 p.m. and declined meetings misaligned with priorities, earning a promotion within six months. Meanwhile, global employee engagement dropped to 21 percent in 2024, with disengagement costing the economy $438 billion. Surveys show 67 percent of workers believe predictable disconnected time would improve productivity, yet 48 percent feel productive less than 75 percent of the time.

As workplace dynamics evolve, leaders may increasingly prioritize focused, intentional work periods over perpetual accessibility.

Montana businesses might consider how local work cultures valuing independence and clear priorities could benefit from similar boundary-setting practices. Given the state’s dispersed geography and varied industry demands, predictable blocks of disconnected time might enhance productivity while respecting regional work-life rhythms. Such approaches could align with Montana’s broader economic incentives to sustain both workforce engagement and advancement.

Why setting boundaries makes you more valuable at work 
By Dana Mahina, Fast Company


Click here to read the story.

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