The coronavirus has pushed many workplaces to have their employees work from home. It’s great when you’re the only one in the apartment, but working remotely with a significant other or spouse can be a lot more complicated. Here are some tips that will keep you both happy and productive while working from home with a partner!
Create Separate Workplaces
The first, and most important rule, while working from home with a partner: work in separate places! Of course, it can seem like a good idea to hold hands all workday at first. However, ultimately, most couples find that long lengths of close proximity are harmful to both the relationship and remote work. If there’s a possibility to create separate offices (or at least something like it) for the time being, then do so as soon as possible. If your apartment just won’t fit two workspaces, that’s okay! Use headphones, don’t face each other, so whatever you can to create some distance. Don’t forget to create a neutral place for breaks, like the living room, kitchen, or even the bathroom!
Say “No!” To Distractions
In addition to keeping separate spaces, respect each other’s work zones, and do not distract your partner while they work. While many enjoy working remotely, many more find it incredibly hard to focus while working from home. So, don’t make it worse for a loved one who frequently procrastinates! In fact, treat your apartment like a coworking space. You wouldn’t bother someone else at WeWork, so don’t bug your partner!
Meanwhile, working at the same time can also limit distractions. “[My husband and I] both set our own hours for the most part, but it really helps if we work on the same schedule. It’s too easy to distract each other if one of us is working, and the other is lounging or doing chores around the house,” longtime worker from home Christine shared with GQ. Of course, working at the same time will also allow you to spend more loving time with your partner or spouse…
Spend Quality Time Together
As we all know, lockdown and quarantines can thoroughly shake up one’s day-to-day routines. However, it’s important not to draw away from the world or your partner. Make sure to spend some quality, non-work time with your significant other or spouse. Also, spend that time away from screens – most of us look at screens all day for work! Cook food together, play a board game, start doing couples yoga, discover a new hobby together, or simply just talk. Of course, screens aren’t all bad: consider scheduling a double date with another couple via Skype or Zoom!
Work Is Not Everything
Also, remember, nothing’s changed now that you work from home. In fact, it’s more important than ever to keep your work-life and relationship separate. Have boundaries and stick to them! “The stress of work plays out in the same setting as so many other important parts of our relationship. If I’m having a rough day, it’s hard not to carry frustration or doubt from work right into cooking dinner a few hours later because I’m literally in the same space,” Reese from Boulder, 26 told GQ. Work stressing you out? Change the atmosphere! Throw on you and your partner’s favorite album, some PJs, and relax.
Working from home with a partner is no picnic. However, by respecting each other, and yourself, you’ll get through it! By staying inside, practicing social distancing, and working from home, you’re helping flatten the curve and beat the coronavirus!
Sources: GQ, The New Yorker.