Work-from-home couples may now be the norm as remote work becomes more widespread.
But what if it’s only one-half of the couple that is working remotely?
How do you support your remote working spouse so they can perform better?
Regardless of whether you are the partner who is working from home or not, here are some pointers.
Discuss Work and Home Arrangements
Ideally, business and pleasure should never mix. However, this is easier said than done, especially when your spouse works from home.
Still, talk with your partner about keeping clear boundaries between home and work. Doing so helps maintain a healthy relationship between you two because it enables you to focus on your partner after work hours.
When it comes to work, discuss your preferences with them and vice versa.
For instance, ask them if they want to have a corner all to themselves or a separate work office.
Also, lay down a schedule that works for both of you. Let them know what hours of the day you will be devoting to work so they won’t disturb you at this time. Maybe then, they can temporarily take over household duties, like taking care of the kids, washing dishes, or cooking.
Having a timetable also prevents any awkward situations, such as accidentally walking into an important meeting.
In all, discussing work and home arrangements with your spouse will go a long way towards keeping the peace.
Do Small Things for Them
As they all say, it’s the little things that matter most.
Remote work can easily feel lonely due to the lack of interaction. Workers tend to stay inside their houses or rooms the whole day, so it can feel monotonous.
Thus, you might want to offer to do little things for your spouse.
Perhaps, you can make coffee for their afternoon pick-me-up. Or maybe you can send them a cute message randomly during the day, just to remind them how proud you are of them.
You can also keep them company when they have their lunch breaks or even give them a bit of space at the end of a long work day.
Likewise, show your appreciation towards your spouse when they do small things for you too!
Listen to Their Rants About Work
Again, your work-from-home spouse may not necessarily have quick access to their workmates who they can discuss their working struggles with.
And while they can send their virtual co-workers an instant message, it’s probably harder to open up regarding work-related issues.
So, let them know you are willing to hear them out, whatever they want to talk about.
Sometimes, they simply need someone willing to listen to them ramble about their latest experiences and struggles at work.
After all, it’s a good outlet to release stress. Don’t you think so?
Encourage Your Partner to Have a Life Outside of Work
It is especially important for remote working spouses to get out of the house once in a while.
This improves their health as they can move their body by walking around. They get to have some exercise and breathe in fresh air.
Also, allow them to socialize with their friends! (Surely, you would understand this if you are working from home with your spouse as well.)
Don’t let your or your partner’s life revolve around just work.
Meeting other people also helps release any pent-up pressure so that you or your partner won’t be the sole receptors of each other’s stresses.
Unwind Together
Lastly, nothing in the world is better than spending time with your partner.
However, there might be some challenges. With the advancement of technology, it can be difficult to truly spend quality time.
So, when you and your remote-working spouse are doing an activity together, be sure to turn off your phone and focus on the moment.
You can also help your husband or wife develop a good “end of work” habit by making them walk around the block after their shift, perhaps. Or by letting them pursue any personal hobbies outside of work hours.
All these let them decompress.
How to Deal With a Spouse Working From Home
Bringing work into a space that is meant for personal connections and intimacy can be complicated. It may even strain marital relationships.
However, it takes effort to make any type of relationship work.
Make sure to communicate with your remote working spouse so you can resolve any issue that may arise.
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