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 shared about improving communication with your boss and not overworking yourself while working from home. With a lot of people working from home lately due to the virus, some find themselves working even more hours.
How do you find balance?
This is a period of change in the way we work, and it doesn’t look like it is going to go back to the way it is – so more change is coming. One of the challenges I hear about is people are 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 talk about the conflicting expectations or changes and how they require extra thought and extra time to implement the changes.
What are some examples that you have seen?
Time management skills and learning what is expected from the boss 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 are able to get things done. School work, zoom calls, projects, breaks, lunches and 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, and this includes changing how we present and share information.
Now we have an opportunity to create a new normal to deal with change. When there are things that 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 not being able to do what we used to do, and this 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 because there is so much change, and they just need to deal with it. But often, a business or employer will also be struggling 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 are possible solutions. And it may spark others to come up with other solutions, including your employer. Avoid the trap of staying quiet because everyone is just trying to deal with the change, but share your ideas respectfully without making people wrong.
Angela is looking for feedback on relationship needs people have 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
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