‘Treat your partner like a colleague until work’s over’

Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny advises how to successfully work alongside your partner – whether homeschooling your children, working from home during lockdown, or even launching a business together.

1. Organise from the outset

Start by deciding a schedule and delegating. You may want to work organically, but a set timetable or tasks will help keep the workload fair and prevents clashes. This also means you know when you’re in work mode and when you’re in “partner” mode.

2. Set up work stations

Whatever you’re doing, it’s important to have a specific area to work, which can be together or separately, depending on your preference. Make sure you respect each other’s work space and understand that, while you’re there, you’re in a work mindset. 3. Keep work and home life separate When you’re working, treat your partner like a colleague until the work day is over and be as professional as you would in the office. But remember to switch back into being a couple at the end of the day. Keep the intimacy and be loving, even if you’ve had a stressful day’s work. Equally, don’t let any personal squabbles leak into your working relationship.

4. Work to each other’s strengths You’ll find some tasks more enjoyable than others, so communicate that to your partner and let them tell you what they’d prefer to do. You might find that what you hate doing, they love doing – it’ll make life a lot easier.

5. Take time apart when needed

You’ll spend a lot of time together, so it’s important to take “me time” – go for a walk, chat to a friend or go to the shops. Being with anyone 24/7 can create irritations, so do your own thing when needs be.