Relationship Rules: 6 Tips For Couples Who Are Both Working From Home
Much of today’s workforce is transitioning to work-from-home status. This means that some couples may end up working from home together. While this sounds like a match made in heaven, it can be anything but if certain precautions aren’t put in place to prevent disaster.
Even the best relationship can be tested when both partners work from the same space. So, take note of the tips below if you find yourselves in a situation where you both need home offices:
1. Work from Different Physical Locations Periodically
Your home office may be your primary workspace, but operating out of different locations periodically will ensure that you don’t get on each other’s nerves. You could choose separate cafés to work from or go to a serviced office space on days when you have meetings or collaborative work to do with colleagues.
2. Pretend Your Partner Isn’t in the Same House
If you have the space, designate two different areas of the home for your individual office spaces. Try to have a door or two in between these spaces, giving you both the ability to shut out any distractions. Avoid taking unnecessary trips outside your workspace to prevent getting distracted by other people or things inside your home.
3. Take Breaks to Enjoy Couple Time
One of the perks of working from home together is the fact that you get to see the person you’re in love with more regularly. Taking breaks throughout the day to enjoy each other’s company can break up the day and put you in a better frame of mind.
Designate a room in the house (the kitchen, for example) as a “neutral zone” where work isn’t a part of the equation and kissing is perfectly acceptable.
4. Separate Your Work and Personal Lives
It’s easy for the lines between your work and personal lives to become blurred when your workspace is also your home. As tempting as it is to work together from the comfort of your bed, resist it. You’ll quickly find that your personal space becomes less special or relaxing because work responsibilities loom nearby.
Also, it won’t take long to become irritated with your significant other if you spend every waking moment together. It’s healthy to live individual lives as it makes you even more appreciative of each other when you come back together.
5. Come Up with a “Do Not Disturb” Signal
If you’ve ever worked in a café, you likely follow the “headphones rule.” The headphones rule is basically the equivalent of the hotel “Do Not Disturb” sign. If you adopt this sign, seeing your partner with headphones on is a clear indication that he or she isn’t available for chatting at that moment.
Of course, you don’t have to use this particular sign. It could be a closed-door that signifies you’re busy. Whatever you choose, both partners should respect it when it’s being displayed.
6. Figure Out What Works and Respect Each Other’s Differences
You may not be bothered by outside noise or other distractions, but your partner may need it to be perfectly quiet to concentrate and get things done. As such, you’ll have to talk, strategize, and compromise to figure out the best way to work from home successfully. Central to this is having respect for the fact that the ideal approach may be different for each of you.
If you find yourself working from home with your significant other, follow the tips above to ensure you’re both productive and happy.
