A survey conducted online by LiveCareer concluded that 61% of the individuals would rather work from home on their own terms. It seems that the general agreement is that people like the freedom of working both in the office and home as they prefer, rather than having to come to the office every day or being cooped up in the home.
The day where the majority can choose the method they love does not seem to be any closer and professionals are stuck at home with their significant other trying to employ some effectiveness in their office work. Some people enjoy having their significant other around as they work. Some, no matter how much they love the person, seem to find the constant company close to a nightmare. There are people who simply need a bit of space. Some end up taking out the stress from their work into their relationship and without the needed space, it becomes impossible to distance yourself from relationship problems.
This is why it’s important to have an effective method when working from home.
How to work from home effectively with your significant others?
Here are some of the steps suggested by relationship experts to have a healthy relationship.
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Broadcast the office hours
Begin the day by informing your partner of your office hours. Additionally, post it in a fridge or juggle a Google calendar between you two so you are aware of each other’s schedules. One partner might like focusing for a long period of time while others take scheduled breaks from work to maintain productivity. Check-in with each other in select timings to make sure one isn’t getting distracted by the other’s movements. If any of you have an important call on the agenda for the day, remind the others beforehand of that so they can be quiet.
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Plan out alone time
Plan out a time of the week after work where both of you can be alone. In this time, you can do simple things like converse with a friend, read, watch television or simply lounge around. You guys are constantly together with the new remote working schedule so planning alone time for each other would help restore the feeling of independence, which is important for the relationship in the long run. Some people could need more space than others, so discuss it between you two.
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Separate your workspace
If it is possible to have a separate workspace, then do so. The ideal would be two work in different rooms or even better, on separate levels. If not, even putting a screen between each other’s workspace can be effective. Designate a place in your house for breaks in your house as you have in the office. This significantly reduces the chances of arguments and distractions.
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Establish some habits
Despite being together all day, working from home means your laptop can somehow make its way into the bedroom or while you are trying to have lunch together. Avoid that at all costs. Additionally, do the things you would do if you were to leave for office on a normal day. Things such as hugging each other before work hours.
Final Thoughts
Working from home can be fun due to the ample flexibility it provides. It should be fine for everyone involved as long as you don’t let the work into your relationship or let the relationship destroy the work.
About the Author
BCjobs.ca is Western Canada’s largest job board, and host of “Innovators” a weekly podcast interviewing top recruiters in BC and across Canada. Check out our recent interview with Spocket’s People & Culture Manager (Podcast link) and Kylie Riggins, Chief of Staff at Beanworks (Podcast link).
