It's entirely reasonable to feel annoyed when you're being contacted about work during your days off. Everyone deserves time away from work to recharge and focus on their personal life. It's important for supervisors and colleagues to respect employees' boundaries and work-life balance.
While your supervisor expressed feeling annoyed when you don't reply to her texts off the clock, it's essential to have open communication about your expectations and boundaries regarding work-related communications outside of working hours. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation:
Communicate your boundaries: Politely but firmly, let your supervisor know that you value your time outside of work and need it to unwind and relax. Make it clear that you prefer not to be contacted for work-related matters during your days off, except for emergencies.
Set expectations: If there are specific situations where it's necessary to be reachable during your off-hours, discuss and agree on clear guidelines. For instance, you might establish that you'll only respond to urgent matters during specific hours or through a particular communication channel.
Respect others' boundaries too: While expressing your own boundaries, show empathy and respect for your supervisor's needs and time off as well. Find a balance that works for both of you.
Utilize technology: If possible, consider using email autoresponders or setting your status to "off-duty" in work-related messaging apps during your non-working hours to manage expectations.
Escalate if necessary: If your supervisor continues to disregard your boundaries despite your efforts to communicate them, consider discussing the issue with HR or higher management. Employees' well-being and work-life balance should be a priority for any organization.
Remember that a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and job satisfaction. Boundaries help maintain that balance, and it's essential to advocate for yourself to protect your personal time and mental well-being.