Couples That Work @ Home: The Survival Series

In this Survival Series I apply the principles of my book to the predicament that millions of working couples now find themselves in – juggling their two careers, their relationship, and for some their kids too, under one roof 24/7. The series is a roadmap to the conversations that will help you manage your situation and grow together during this time. I hope that the series will help you pull through stick together, and also develop the habit of having deliberate conversations. That habit, I have found in my research, is the secret to successful working couples in the long run.

Introducing what you can expect to learn over the coming weeks.

The most helpful place for couples to start when facing challenging times is to map their concerns. Watch the video to learn how and use the pdf as a conversation guide with your partner.

The most successful couples set their priorities before they figure out the practicalities of living and working in confinement. Learn how productively share your priorities so you know what matters most to you and your partner.

Before jumping straight into routines and activities, take a step back to consider how the needs of your children have shifted. What do they really need from you now emotionally and practically? And how can you respond to these needs?

Drawing boundaries helps practically and psychologically. When we’re clear on when and where we can work, have me-time, couple time and family, and when these boundaries are agreed and respected life becomes a lot less stressful. The exercise will help you map out your boundaries together.

Routines help us get things done and feel a sense of progress, but they can become a bone of contention if not negotiated mindfully. Learn how to set new routines that are aligned to what matters most to you and your couple.

Practical matters can quickly become a burden and a source of conflict for working couples in confinement. Conflicts, however, are never really about the dishes, they’re about the deal you have in your couple. Find out how to negotiate a deal that works for you.

Over the long run, support and kindness are the two factors that most accurately predict the success of a working couple. But the support we might want and need from our partners is not always what they need from us. Figure out how to support each other in a way that brings maximum relationship return.

If we feel stressed and unsupported at work we might end up asking our partners for reassurance and help that they cannot give, because we need it from elsewhere. Learn how to to manage up and all around to get the support we need to work in confinement.

Now is the time when organisations and managers will prove whether they are serious about supporting working couple talent. Find out how you as a manager can best support members of your team who are in confinement with a working partner.

Its not unusual for couples to feel distant, even thought they are spending all their time together. Understand why this is happening and how you can stick together through your confinement.

As for everything I do, Gianpiero was my muse for this Survival Series. He was also my Editor, Non-exec Producer, IT Support, and Court Jester. Enjoy!