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6 Tips for Staying Productive When Your Partner Thinks You Have More Free Time

Working from home might seem easier to your partner, especially if they have a traditional 9-to-5 job. This can lead to misunderstandings about your workload and free time. To avoid tension, here are 6 practical tips to stay productive and create mutual understanding.

PSYCHOLOGY INSIGHTS

9/25/20242 min read

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1. Communicate Clearly About Your Work

Explain to your partner that your work-from-home job comes with its own challenges. Share your daily schedule and the tasks you manage. This helps them see that you’re not just “free” all day.

Tip: Show them your calendar or planner, so they understand your workload.

2. Set Clear Work Boundaries

Your partner may expect you to do more housework since you’re at home. Set boundaries around your work hours and explain that during those times, you are just as unavailable as if you were in an office.

Tip: Create a clear daily routine and let your partner know when you are working.

3. Show Results, Not Just Effort

Sometimes it’s hard for others to see how much work you’ve done without visible results. Share your achievements or milestones with your partner to show that your time is productive.

Tip: Mention your completed tasks in casual conversations, so they see your progress.

4. Balance Household Responsibilities

Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you should do all the chores. Split responsibilities fairly with your partner to avoid resentment.

Tip: Make a chore schedule that you both agree on.

5. Take Breaks to Stay Fresh

Overworking from home can lead to burnout. Schedule regular breaks to refresh your mind and stay productive. Use these breaks for yourself, not for extra chores.

Tip: Set a timer to remind yourself to take short breaks throughout the day.

6. Share the Benefits of Working from Home

Help your partner see the positives of working from home, like reduced stress and more focus. By understanding these benefits, they may appreciate your setup more.

Tip: Share articles or research on the advantages of working from home.

Conclusion

Misunderstandings about time can create tension, but with clear communication, setting boundaries, and showing results, you can ensure that both you and your partner respect each other's work routines.

Resources

Hill, E. J., Ferris, M., & Märtinson, V. (2003). Does it matter where you work? A comparison of how three work venues influence aspects of work and personal/family life. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 63(2), 220-241. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-8791(03)00042-3
Bloom, N., Liang, J., Roberts, J., & Ying, Z. J. (2015). Does working from home work? Evidence from a Chinese experiment. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 130(1), 165-218. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qju032
Grant, C. A., Wallace, L. M., & Spurgeon, P. C. (2013). An exploration of the psychological factors affecting remote e‐worker's job effectiveness, well‐being and work‐life balance. Employee Relations, 35(5), 527-546. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-08-2012-0059