Tag: Better Communication

Building Better Relationships at Home and Work with Angela and Patti Podcast Episode 21- Lack of Communication and Overworked! Click on the link below to listen to the full podcast episode.

In this episode, we discussed improving communication with your boss and not overworking yourself while working from home. Due to the virus, many people have been working from home lately, and some have found themselves working even more hours.

How do you find balance?  

This is a period of change in how we work, and it doesn’t look like it will go back to the way it was, so more change is coming. One of the challenges I hear about is people working from home and taking care of their children at the same time since daycare services and schools are still closed. They have become the teacher, playtime instructor, nap time enforcer, lunch, and break time scheduler, all while trying to work at home.

Because of the suddenness of the change, many of us have been expected to do extra work without extra pay or support, and there has been little time to discuss the conflicting expectations or changes and how they require extra thought and extra time to implement.

What are some examples that you have seen?

Time management skills and learning what the boss expects while working from home. Setting boundaries with the family while working, how to do it all, and keep everyone calm, productive, and sane.

A routine is good.

Getting up at the same time you would if going into work, eating breakfast as a family, everyone getting dressed, and starting their day. By having a routine, everyone knows what they are supposed to do and can get things done. School work, Zoom calls, projects, breaks, lunches, dinner, free time, and nap time. One of the extra duties is learning how to move things online and deal with new technology or platforms, including changing how we present and share information.

Now, we have an opportunity to create a new normal for dealing with change. When things require extra thought and extra time, how do you approach your boss, co-workers, or those you work with?

Are you problem-focused or solution-focused?

Often when things change suddenly, we focus on being unable to do what we used to do, which stops us from speaking up about our needs. I’ve noticed people harboring resentments with superiors or employers because they feel they can’t speak up. After all, there is so much change; they need to deal with it. However, a business or employer will often struggle with the change. If you can respectfully share what you see as not working and what you see as a solution to that lack, then it clarifies for everyone what possible solutions are. And it may spark others to come up with other solutions, including your employer. Avoid staying quiet because everyone is just trying to deal with the change, but share your ideas respectfully without making people wrong.

Angela seeks feedback on people’s relationship needs in these times of change.

Have people changed their needs and experiences of relationships?

Share your answer to the question above on the Building Better Relationships Facebook group, “What has changed in your relationships because of this virus?” or email us at BBRathomeandwork@gmail.com

Thank you for listening and sharing. 🙂 ”