News
August 24, 2025
‘You become sick of the sight of each other’ – Remote working under the same roof is putting a strain on couples’ relationships
Couples who work from home are increasingly suffering relationship breakdowns, with many turning to therapists in a bid to save their marriages, counsellors say.
**Remote Working Takes Its Toll: Couples Struggle to Navigate the New Normal Under One Roof**
The rise of remote work, once hailed as a perk for both employees and employers, is now presenting unexpected challenges in a critical area: romantic relationships. Counselors are reporting a surge in couples seeking therapy, citing the strains of working from home under the same roof as a significant contributing factor to marital discord.
Many couples initially embraced the flexibility and convenience of remote work, envisioning more quality time together. However, the reality often falls short of these expectations. The constant proximity, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and differing work styles are creating friction and resentment.
"You become sick of the sight of each other," one counselor relayed, summarizing a common sentiment expressed by their clients. The lack of physical separation, once provided by the traditional office environment, means couples are constantly exposed to each other's work-related stress, habits, and even noise. What might have been minor annoyances in the past can quickly escalate into major sources of conflict when amplified by the confines of the home.
Another challenge lies in the difficulty of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When the office is just steps away, it can be tempting to work longer hours, further encroaching on quality time and creating imbalances in the relationship. This can lead to feelings of neglect, resentment, and ultimately, a breakdown in communication.
Therapists are working with couples to establish clearer boundaries, improve communication skills, and rediscover shared interests outside of work. Strategies include designating separate workspaces, scheduling dedicated time for relaxation and connection, and actively practicing empathy and understanding.
While remote work offers undeniable advantages, it’s clear that couples need to proactively address the potential pitfalls to safeguard their relationships. Open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to adapt are crucial for navigating the complexities of working from home together and ensuring a harmonious home life.
The rise of remote work, once hailed as a perk for both employees and employers, is now presenting unexpected challenges in a critical area: romantic relationships. Counselors are reporting a surge in couples seeking therapy, citing the strains of working from home under the same roof as a significant contributing factor to marital discord.
Many couples initially embraced the flexibility and convenience of remote work, envisioning more quality time together. However, the reality often falls short of these expectations. The constant proximity, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and differing work styles are creating friction and resentment.
"You become sick of the sight of each other," one counselor relayed, summarizing a common sentiment expressed by their clients. The lack of physical separation, once provided by the traditional office environment, means couples are constantly exposed to each other's work-related stress, habits, and even noise. What might have been minor annoyances in the past can quickly escalate into major sources of conflict when amplified by the confines of the home.
Another challenge lies in the difficulty of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When the office is just steps away, it can be tempting to work longer hours, further encroaching on quality time and creating imbalances in the relationship. This can lead to feelings of neglect, resentment, and ultimately, a breakdown in communication.
Therapists are working with couples to establish clearer boundaries, improve communication skills, and rediscover shared interests outside of work. Strategies include designating separate workspaces, scheduling dedicated time for relaxation and connection, and actively practicing empathy and understanding.
While remote work offers undeniable advantages, it’s clear that couples need to proactively address the potential pitfalls to safeguard their relationships. Open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to adapt are crucial for navigating the complexities of working from home together and ensuring a harmonious home life.
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Politics