Meghna Mukherjee, TNN
Married couples find it extremely
difficult to strike a balance when they work at the same place. Here are ways
you can strengthen your bond.
The advantages of married couples
working together often go unnoticed, since many assume it is a bad idea for
couples to work in the same office. Says Dr Sanjoy Mukerji, marriage
counsellor, "Usually, it increases the complexity of potential issues in
your relationship and eliminates the chances to cool down after spats. It may
even, on a professional level, create conflicts of interest in certain
situations — especially if the two of you work in the same department or if one
is the superior of the other." Keeping your personal feelings and
situations separate from work often becomes a challenge. It can be very tricky
navigating back and forth from the spousal relationship to the professional
one.
However, in spite of these conflicts, there
are many couples who successfully work together and share the same passion and
complement each other well. Though you cannot tend to overlook the cons of
working together, there are ways you can maintain peace and harmony at work and
not bring it back home with you.
Do
not interfere in each other's work
Just because you are married that does
not entitle you to always know what your spouse is doing, especially in office.
For example, if your partner has a problem with a co-worker, just stay out of
that. You do not have to offer advice either to your wife/husband or the
co-worker. Let him/her handle the situation.
Give
some space
Space is crucial in every
relationship. It's more like a time-off that you take from one another that
helps you bond better. When you work together, you are bound to have the same
set of colleagues, so it is advisable for you to make new friends from other
departments too, who you can hang out with during the lunch break. Not only is it
good for you career-wise; it will also nurture professional relationships with
others. You don't ideally have to do everything together. Avoid forming your
exclusive 'spouse society'!
Keep
personal issues at bay
If you'd had a fight at home, try not
to bring it to work. Also, refrain from discussing about your fights or
arguments with your colleagues. Since both of you work at the same place, it
can hamper your spouse's image at work.
Be
professional
When at work, do not indulge in
personal talks about family or otherwise. Also, it is equally important to
maintain a professional and courteous tone with your spouse at work. Do not
indulge in emotional reactions or even PDA. Further, save the pet names for
after hours!
If
you and your spouse co-own a business...
Owning a business together is like
raising a child. In addition to moments of happiness, joy and pride — there
will be long hours, trying times and instances where you won't agree with each
other.
· It
is important to communicate well with your spouse. There will be times when you
won't agree with each other on something, but it is essential to talk to your
partner with respect and listen to him/her properly.
· Even
though you might not share the same opinion, support his/her decision. It is
better to present a united stand, when in front of others. You can always
discuss the issue, later in private.
· Remember
that your employees are always observing both of you. Any personal conflicts at
work might be blown out of proportion by your employees and both of you are
likely to become the object of gossip.
· No
matter the work load, make plans and spend some time alone. Try not to indulge
in professional talks. This will help strengthen your relationship.
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