A Brief Guide On Working From Home, For Couples
A Brief Guide On Working From Home,
For Couples
Many couples are finding themselves in a brand new work environment this week, due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic; that new environment is their home.
Whether you are new to working from home, or you’re a couple who is accustomed to working side-by-side, having strategies for your working hours makes all the difference in not only productivity, but also day-to-day relationship satisfaction.
The following are tips that will help you maintain wellness in the face of work, home, and societal stress.
Hold a Morning Meeting
Touch base with your partner each morning to set a loose plan for the day, with the following questions:
What are the top three things you want to accomplish today?
What times will you not be available, due to your work schedule?
What are your working hours today?
Are you able to take a break? If so, when?
Respect Each Other’s Working Styles
Likely, you and your partner have a preferred working style that includes your energy cycle, the length of time you are able to concentrate on one task, as well as how often you like to take breaks. Your differing styles may cause conflict; for example, if your partner prefers to think by pacing, and you prefer to think by laying down.
Make every effort to respect each other’s styles. This may require you to spend time in separate rooms, or to be mindful of how you communicate your needs and boundaries while working from home. Focus on being clear, calm, and kind. These three habits address the verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication.
Take Breaks, Together
Whenever possible, take a 15-minute, or lunch break, together. Working from home need not be all business. There are perks to seeing your partner more often, including the opportunity for conversation and affection. Yes, that means cuddles, kisses, or maybe even some sexy time in your work day.
Think Week-long, not Day-long
Most of us tend to set goals for the day, rather than for longer timeframes. During stressful situations, it’s best to evaluate success based on broader periods of time, such as weeks, months, or seasons.
It makes sense to feel discouraged when a day proves to be unproductive. With a week-long view, this unproductive day becomes merely one experience in a longer, more comprehensive effort toward your goals. Keeping this larger context in mind, will help you remain calm and mindful, no matter what the day brings.
If you are working from home, together, with kids at home, these additional tips will help you maintain order and stay on track:
The One-Hour Tag Team
Work for one hour, then switch. The partner who is “off work” will be on parenting/teaching/supervision duty. The partner who is working has an hour to fully concentrate on their tasks.
This method establishes several important strategies when you are working from home, with kids in the home:
It sets expectations for both partners
It creates a natural rhythm and schedule to the day
It decreases frustrations that come from frequent distractions
Not only can the “off duty” partner supervise and set up children with activities, they may also have time to accomplish a few household chores. Bonus.
DeClutter Your Workspace
Take a few minutes each morning, and after lunch, to organize, clear, and clean the area in your home where you are working. For many couples with children, this is often a dining room table, or an all-purpose counter. Engage your kids in this exercise, so that they get used to organizing as a part of their day. Decluttering your space makes work easier, from a practical perspective, and it also contributes a great deal to your ability to concentrate, and your mindset.
Set a Schedule for the Kids
Seasoned work-at-home couples know that without a schedule for the kids, chaos ensues. Create a schedule that lists general categories, by the hour, that your kids are able to understand and follow. If possible, create the schedule with the kids, and let them write it out.
Examples of categories include: Get Ready, Learning, Movement, Quiet Time, Lunch
The schedule will keep kids on track, allowing you to get more work done.
In Summary
If you’re working from home, and striving to adjust to a new schedule and work environment, remember to give yourself, your partner, and your kids (if applicable) grace. Life for most couples and families has changed drastically in a short period of time, and it’s natural to encounter emotional and relational opposition. Take it one day at a time, note what went well, and start fresh tomorrow.
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