By Monica Mizzi
If you’re currently working from home with your significant other, chances are that it’s been an experience like none other. After all, prior to COVID-19, most people didn’t have the opportunity to do so for one day — let alone for several months. Without doubt, this is a stressful time all around. Unfortunately, any stress either of you is feeling can be easily exacerbated by the professional pressure each of you may feel in the more confined environment of working from home together.
But, if you’re finding it difficult, rest assured that you’re certainly not alone. While some couples have risen to the challenge, others have struggled to find their groove, and both responses are completely natural in these unprecedented times. The good news is that there are several things you can do to make the experience more pleasant and productive for both of you. Here are three tips to keep in mind that could make all the difference.
1. Set a Schedule
One of the biggest challenges in working from home with your significant other is trying to coordinate with one another. This is even more difficult if you have children or live with roommates or extended family. That’s why setting a schedule is essential to ensure your work life runs smoothly, as well as your home life.
The way in which you create your joint schedule will depend on your needs and expectations as a couple. Most important, design it to provide you both with a clear frame of reference regarding who is doing what and when. This will help minimize confusion.
For example, if you need to help your children with their homework every day, make sure to factor this into your schedule. Likewise, if your significant other has a conference call every Tuesday at 4 p.m., note this, as well. While you’re at it, add household chores and other responsibilities you need to keep track of and coordinate. Additionally, if you live with others, pin your schedule where everyone can see it so they won’t disturb either of you at the wrong time.
2. Optimize Your Work Area
Setting up a functional home office space is one of the best ways to work more efficiently at home with your significant other. Not only does it help increase productivity and motivation, but it also substantially decreases the likelihood of either of you stepping on the other one’s toes.
It can be difficult to stay focused when you’re not working in a space that’s designed to support productivity. But, interior design experts suggest helpful home office insights and remind us that a home workspace doesn’t have to be extravagant. In fact, there are many simple things you can do that will make a big difference.
As leading designer Anna Tatsioni said, “Elements like design pieces, painting, colors, plants, sound and lighting have all proven to impact concentration.” She also suggested that equipping your workspace with items that you believe are necessary to help you focus or think — such as a large office desk — could be worthwhile, as well.
3. Do Nice Things for Each Other
Many couples find themselves becoming increasingly complacent in their relationship after they start working from home together. This is to be expected, given that you’re basically together 24/7 and have to deal with work deadlines, home responsibilities, and everything in between.
However, to ensure you can both enjoy a positive environment in which to work and live, you’ll need to take active steps to maintain the health of your relationship. Doing so can be as simple as spending time together as a couple. For example, you could enjoy a home-cooked meal or start a new TV series that you both look forward to watching after you’ve clocked out for the day.
Another special way to show them you care is to give them a special treat “just because.” Whether that means ordering a delicious chocolate bouquet or making them a cup of coffee, your significant other is bound to appreciate any kind gesture.
Although COVID-19 affects us all, each situation is unique. As such, don’t underestimate the role of your home support system to help you manage any stress related to adapting to the current situation. You are each other’s first line of mental health defense. Kindness, patience and communication are key.
For more insights, check out our expert panel on nurturing mental health while working from home with family.
Illustrations by John D. Saunders of blackillustrations.com
About the author: Monica Mizzi is a freelance digital marketer who specializes in SEO and content creation. She works with a number of companies, including Girls Who STEM. Monica is deeply interested in promoting the advancement of girls and women in STEM, and therefore spends much of her time learning about how to become a better ally.
