Ever said “just one more email” and looked up two hours later, still at your desk while your mates are already at the pub?
Yeah, us too…
At Old Street WorkRooms, the line between work and play can be as fluid as your flat white. Friends become partners or collaborators, who become cofounders, and somehow a quick brainstorm turns into a full-blown project brainstorm… at 7pm… on a Friday. It’s inspiring. It’s exciting. And it can also be exhausting if we don’t set some boundaries.
Discover how to keep your work on track without missing out on the creative chaos around you.
Why Boundaries Aren’t Bad
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean becoming antisocial or shutting yourself off from all opportunities that come your way. It means respecting your own time and energy. By introducing boundaries, you can show up to work with focus and be fully present when you’re catching up with a friend over a post-work pint. You will do better work when you’re not mentally multitasking every hour of the day. And honestly? People respect it when you care for yourself.
The data backs this up. According to Randstad’s 2025 Workmonitor, more than 85% of workers globally say work-life balance is the most important factor in a current or future job, surpassing pay for the first time in 22 years of the report’s history!
Signs You Might Be Blurring the Line a Bit Too Much
You might think you’re managing your tasks just fine, but if any of this sounds familiar, it might be time for a little boundary refresh…
- You tell yourself “just five more minutes” but end up working through dinner.
- You’re at a social event and still talking about deadlines instead of savouring the food (and conversation).
- You feel tired after coworking hangouts that were supposed to reinvigorate you.
- You say yes to everything but then spend the week wishing your calendar had a ‘cancel’ button without feeling guilty. .
Now is the time to make important changes.
How to Draw the Line (and Stick to It)
Pick Your “On” and “Off” Hours
You don’t need a solid 9–5 to keep structure here at Old Street WorkRooms. Create start and stop rituals, like a morning stretch or a closing playlist to ensure you finish your day in good time. Then tell people when you’re available.
Create Work vs Social Zones
At Old Street WorkRooms, use noise-cancelling headphones, or sit in one of our solo booths, versus the collaborative coworking areas. Even little habits or rituals can help, such as having a final cup of coffee to signal the end of your working day, before winding down.
Communicate with Sincerity
Boundaries don’t have to be cold, as long as they are sincere. Opt for something like: “Would love to chat, can we do it after 2pm when I finish this task?”
And here’s the thing: community and a sense of belonging really does matter. Randstad has found that 84% of workers want a sense of community in the workplace, with 60% saying they’d quit if they didn’t feel they belonged, up from just 37% the year before. Having both purpose and connection in your professional lives will bring a wealth of benefits. As they say, fostering connection isn’t just good for people, it’s good for business.
Schedule Social Time Like a Boss
Instead of waiting for spontaneous coffee breaks, carve out time for them in your diary. It’s both social and structured, which means you get the joy without the feelings of overwhelm.
Don’t be surprised if those breaks make you better at your job—more than 80% of people say community helps them perform better.
The Art of Saying ‘Not Right Now’
It’s okay to say no – “not today” is not the same as “never.”
Learning how to protect your time while staying connected is one of the most powerful things you can do, both for your sanity and for your schedule.
A Connected Culture
We’re all part of a great community at Old Street Workrooms, but respecting each other’s calendars makes it better for everyone.
- When someone’s got their headphones on, assume they’re looking for maximum focus.
- Honour posted meeting room bookings.
- Try not to be that person starting a casual chat while someone’s clearly mid-deep-into an important task.
Small moments of awareness build an environment that supports both focus and fun!
Boundary Tools You’ll Actually Use
It’s all too common for a colleague or fellow coworker to ask you a “quick question” , resulting in you losing your train of thought. Alternatively, you double-book a social coffee and a client call, and don’t want to let anyone down.
There tools can genuinely help to fully promote and support a positive work/life balance.
- Google Calendar or Notion: Time-block work and breaks.
- Slack status updates: “Heads down – back after lunch.”
Or journal at the end of the day to help clear your mind, keep focused and remain on track.
Let’s Build a Balanced Workspace
At Old Street Workrooms, we can all co-create the balance we all crave. Choose one small boundary to set this week.
Whether it’s a “No Slack after 7pm,” blocking out a non-negotiable lunch break, or sending that “Hey, can we chat later?” message you’ve been hesitating to write for fear or letting a client down.
This is what modern work looks like: flexible, authentic, and driven by community. It’s exactly what talent around the world are asking for.