In the past years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people working from home. And no wonder, since it has a lot of benefits. But, while this arrangement can have many benefits, it can also put a strain on relationships if you are both working from home at the same time.
Relationship strains are perfectly normal if you are spending a lot of time together in a setting you are not used to. Working from home is such a setting. But it does not have to put a strain on your relationship at all.
Here are some tips for what to do when working from home causes relationship strains.
Working from home can be a great way to get ahead on projects and avoid the office, but it can also put a strain on relationships. Those who work from home may find themselves feeling overwhelmed by the constant presence of their partners or roommates. Not because they don’t love spending time together. But because they do not choose to do so.
In addition, working from home can make it challenging to establish boundaries between work and personal life. This can lead to arguments and resentment. Especially if you don’t work the same hours or work the same amount of hours.
For many people who work from home, the lines between professional and personal life can become blurred. It can be not easy to keep a healthy work-life balance when you’re living and working in the same space. You won’t feel as if the day is done when you just sit in the same room and see the same people as when you work.
And that sensation can put a strain on relationships with friends, family, and roommates – whoever lives with you and is present when working from home.
Positive effects of working from home on your relationship
There are many benefits to working from home, including increased productivity and decreased stress. But if you are never alone and working from home with your partner it may put a strain on your relations. But not necessarily.
Actually, one of the lesser-known benefits is that working from home can have a positive effect on your relationship. Spending more time together can lead to improved communication and a stronger bond. Additionally, you may have more time for shared interests and activities.
This can be a great opportunity to reconnect with your partner and actually have some quality time together.
A well-known positive effect of working from home is that it can help reduce stress. If you’re able to avoid the commute and work in a comfortable environment, it can help take some of the stress out of your day. And your partner’s too. This can lead to improved communication and overall satisfaction in your relationship as you are both feeling good and at ease.
Overall, working from home can have some positive effects on your relationship if you’re able to make the most of it. By spending more time together and reducing stress, you can improve communication and create a stronger bond with your partner.
But you do need to set some ground rules first. More on that later on.
Negative effects of working from home on your relationship
Though working from home has its perks, it can also have negative effects on your relationship.
You and your partner may start to feel like you’re not really spending quality time together since you’re both in the same house all day but not doing anything together. This can lead to feelings of loneliness or boredom.
Working from home can also be stressful if not done properly, which can lead to arguments or tension between you and your partner. If both of you are having a hard time adjusting to working from home and not enjoying it, it is easy to take it out on each other.
When you work from home, it can be difficult to establish and maintain boundaries with your partner. You may start to feel like you’re always working, and your partner may feel like they are always second place to your job. This can lead to resentment and conflict in your relationship.
Or maybe you feel like each other is getting in each other’s way all of the time. That can cause friction and ultimately put a strain on your relationship.
How to make it work between you if you both work from home a lot
Whether you’re new to working from home or have been doing it for years, there are always going to be challenges when you and your partner both work from home. It can be tough to find the right balance, but it is possible for both of you. Here are a few tips on how to make it work between you if you both work from home a lot.
Set some ground rules and establish expectations with your partner
When working from home with your partner, it’s important to set some ground rules and establish expectations about work hours, breaks, and work-life balance.
For example, you may want to agree on set work hours and take turns taking breaks so you can both have some time to yourselves. Or take your breaks simultaneously so you can spend time together – whatever suits you best.
It’s also important to respect each other’s space and not be afraid to communicate if one of you is feeling overwhelmed by the constant presence of the other. By setting some ground rules and establishing expectations, you can help create a healthy and productive working relationship.
Communication and agreeing on expectations are key to avoiding relationship strains when working from home together.
When you’re suddenly thrust into working from home with your partner, it can be tough to get used to. Suddenly you’re both in the same space all the time, and it can be hard to establish boundaries. And here, communication truly is key.
If both of you want your own space, establish separate work areas. It’s important to have your own space where you can focus on work without distractions. If possible, set up a separate room or area for each of you to work in. This will help minimize distractions and allow you to focus on your work. Also, this helps you attend online meetings without disturbing the other.
You set up a lot of different home offices for each of you to use. Maybe one of you can work from the garage, work in the living room or find a suitable third place in the house. This could be a place where you feel comfortable and productive like in a home office with hygge.
Communicate often with your partner when working from home together
Communicate, communicate, communicate…
When working from home with your partner it is important to communicate often to avoid relationship strains. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and no one’s boundaries are being overstepped.
Schedule regular check-ins with your partner throughout the day. This will allow you to touch base on what needs to be done and how you can help each other out. Or just leave each other alone if you both prefer that. But make sure that you agree on that.
But you can make time for lunch together. Even if it’s just a quick sandwich at the kitchen table, sitting down and eating together will help you stay connected and aligned thus making the risk of relationship strains smaller.
You can also text each other. It may sound silly, given you are both in the same house. But it will feel less intruding and can allow your partner to answer when he or she feels like it or just have the time for it.
Be considerate and aware of your partner's needs and ease the strain on your relationship
When working at home together, it’s important that you try to be considerate of your partner’s needs and try to accommodate them as best you can. This may mean taking turns in using shared spaces, being mindful of noise levels, or working at different times of the day. If you can.
Also, if you have a dog, a cat, even a puppy or a newborn baby, you will need to accommodate the needs of all of you to make working from home together.
If you have young children at home, take turns watching them so each person can get some uninterrupted work time. Or, if possible, arrange for childcare so you can both focus on work. By being considerate of each other’s needs, you can make working from home together a little easier and avoid relationship strains.
Make time for each other
When working from home together, it’s important to make time for each other. Whether it’s taking a break to have lunch together or going for a walk after work, making time to connect with your partner is key.
Because working alongside or close to each other is not the same as spending quality time together.
It can be easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks during the working day, but it’s important to remember that spending time with your partner is a crucial part of your relationship.
If you consider each other during the day you can really get closer and build upon your relationship. But only if you make time for each other.
Conclusion: working from home doesn't have to strain your relationship at all
In conclusion, working from home doesn’t have to strain your relationship at all. There are plenty of ways to stay connected and enjoy each other’s company. Keep in mind that it’s important to schedule time for yourself and your partner, and to make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to expectations of the time working from home together.
Many people believe that working from home can put a strain on their relationships, but this doesn’t have to be the case. As mentioned in the article, there are a few things you can do to make sure that working from home doesn’t damage your relationship.
First, it’s important to set boundaries and communicate well. Just because you’re in the same house doesn’t mean you’re always available to work. Let your partner know when you’re working and when you’re not, and stick to those hours as much as possible.
Second, make time for each other. Even if it’s just a quick coffee break or chat during lunch, take a few minutes every day to connect with your partner. This will help keep lines of communication open and prevent resentment from building up.
And finally, accommodate each other and cater to your individual needs. That is the key along with great communication.
My name is Frederik
I am a passionate marketeer who loves the freedom that comes with working from home whenever I choose to do so.
I love getting nerdy with every single detail about making everything related to my home just a tiny bit better.
That is what motivates me to write about home stuff on this blog.