Boundary theory addresses the balancing of roles that people form with their at-work, and not-at-work selves. This theory focuses on the whole person and what systems work best for them when it comes to creating boundaries with their jobs. SDT looks only at the person at work, and looks at the motivations that people have to complete their work and where these motivations come from. The at-work person undoubtedly affects the person when they leave work, and motivation can come from places outside of work, which is why it is helpful to allow these theories to work together. 

How are SDT and Boundary theory complementary?

Boundary congruence refers to the degree of alignment between the boundaries and needs of a person and their place of work. Their superiors or colleagues, as well as their company overall may be congruent with their own priorities and needs, which would provide congruence. More congruence makes it easier to develop a work schedule/ structure that works for everyone, and incongruence can bring the opposite.

Boundary (In)congruence

Boundary theory suggests that people experience relatively low boundaries between their work lives and lives outside of work. Their identities are dependent on their roles in both of these environments and each environment contributes to who they are as a person.


Syracuse University

Flexible workplace design is seen differently by different people. Some think that the flexible schedule allows for work to take over a whole day, providing me stress from work, and others feel that allowing flexibility lowers stress because there is not a rigid timeline on workdays

The debate surrounding flexible workplace design

Peters, P., Jan Blomme, R. (2019). Forget about ‘the ideal worker’: A theoretical contribution to the debate on flexible workplace designs, work/life conflict, and opportunities for gender equality. Business Horizons.


Forget about ‘the ideal worker’: A theoretical contribution to the debate on flexible workplace designs, work/life conflict, and opportunities for gender equality. 

This theory is the idea that in order for people to work to their full potential, they must have autonomy, competence and relatedness in their work environment. Theses three characteristics are called the basic psychological needs of an individual.

Self Determination Theory

Boundary Theory

This is the idea that people should clearly differentiate their work duties and life duties in order to avoid confusion about where they should allocate their time. The opinions on this are split, as some feel as though having a less rigid schedule can reduce work-related stress, while other feel that in order to reduce stress, it is necessary to understand when to dedicate time to one’s work and when not to


Work/life segmentation

In a flexible workplace design, workers’ needs both inside and outside the workplace are prioritized. It is understood that everyone’s lives are different and people need different set ups regarding their ideal work-life breakdown. This approach aims to have people be more engaged in their work, as well as lower their work/life conflicts and stresses.


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