TIPS FOR WORKING FROM HOME WHEN YOUR PARTNER IS TOO!
It’s a big change for a lot of people working from home, and even more so when their partner is too. Here are our tips on how to deal with it so that you don’t end up killing each other.
- Talk about what you need from your working environment
Does one of you need to be on the phone all day and does the other need to focus on specific projects….if so, probably best not to be in the same room as each other. Ensure both of you have a work area that will get the best out of your job role
- Be business-like
It might feel weird, but scheduling your day as you would in the office can actually help rather than letting everything overlap. Put in half an hour for a cup of tea, or a lunch break at the same time to chat or go for a walk.
- Be considerate about household jobs
Something which is quite tough for people generally working from home, is a messy household or the distraction of needing to do things like washing. Make sure that you are sharing these tasks and take it in turns to do things, or allocate specific things to one another.
- Be sympathetic
Usually that time at home is your down time together, so do be aware that the other may be experiencing stresses of a working day whilst they are at home. At the same time, if you’re experiencing those stresses, do try not to let them dominate the feeling in the household.
- Communicate
It’s always best to talk about things that are tricky…If you’re finding things hard or you’re ending up upset with one another then make sure you talk it through (and try to get out the house for a walk!)
And for those parents reading this- If the kids are at home too…
Try your best to discuss this with your employer and get the best out of the situation for your family. It’s not fair to let one person’s job suffer and in this current crisis time, we need to ensure we’re doing what we can to help our employers at the same time as giving our kids the time they need
