Episode: Always-On Anya: Setting Boundaries with an Overcommunicating Boss

Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/always-on-anya-setting-boundaries-with-a-over-communicating-boss

What this episode’s about:

An hourly lead’s manager won’t stop calling on her days off and threatens demotion when she pushes back. We unpack how to set firm, respectful boundaries, when to loop in HR, and why power can erode empathy.

Why listen:

You’ll get practical tips for a hard conversation as well as engaging HR and psychology perspectives on control, fear of failure, empathy, and more to help you protect your time without burning bridges.

Key takeaways

1. Lead with data and What's In It For Me (WIIFM): Bring specifics (“10 calls on my day off”) and frame solutions that help the manager (on-call rotation, clear escalation paths), not just you.
2. Take action and utilize your resources: Document time worked off the clock, document your conversations, and reach out to HR for help.
3. Target the root cause: Promotion-seeking, loneliness, fear, control, or attraction require different strategies. Avoid power struggles, use assertive (not aggressive) language, and keep safety front and center.

Resources

• Humanalysts, on LinkedIn - We recommend following Dr. Nicole at Humanalysts for more information about workplace trauma. This topic came up when we mentioned that overcontrolling is a trauma response, and the work of Dr. Nicole came to mind.
• Power and Perspective Not Taken - Read more about how people in power may exhibit a lack of empathy.
• Stanford Prison Experiment
• Courage Coaching - Excellent coach with great resources on how to navigate relationships with narcissists.
• The Assertiveness Workbook - Additional details on The Assertiveness Workbook by Randy Paterson.
• Hours of Work Policy: Nonexempt Employee Electronic Communications - Resource to design hourly work policies.
• Fact Sheet #22: Hours Worked Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) - Information on hourly worker standards in the US
• Mid-Market Enterprise Economy Report 2024 - Information on small and middle market growth (2024).

Reach out for guidance: TheHRManagers@Gmail.com

Website: TheHRMediators.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehrmediators/

About the show

Workplace conflict is inevitable, but with Karen & Kendra’s mix of HR savvy, mediation experience, psychology insights, and humor, you’ll learn to turn conflict into connection.

Credits

Music: Farben by MagnusMoone

Notes

If this helped, please follow the show and send this episode to at least one coworker. Rate & review: A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your podcast platform of choice helps others find us.

Hosts

Karen Gleason & Kendra Beseler

© 2025 The HR Mediators

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