Couples who do similar jobs have a worse work-life balance than those who work in different professions, a study found.
Researchers interviewed more than 600 academics, about half of whom had partners working in the same sector. They looked at what hours they worked, how effectively they could separate their work and personal lives and how committed they were to their jobs.
The study found that those with a “work-linked” other half found it harder to keep a healthy work-life balance and worked longer hours.
However the research also showed that couples in similar jobs were more supportive of each other when work encroached on their personal lives.
Study leader Professor Gail Kinman, of the University of Bedfordshire, said an increasing number of couples have similar occupations – a situation that is "particularly common" in education.
She added: "The findings suggest that doing similar work to your partner means that work issues are more likely to spill over into home life and threaten work-life balance.
"Evidence was also found that having a partner who does similar work can be beneficial, as this can enhance mutual understanding of working conditions and increase support during stressful times.
"Nonetheless, the findings suggest that work-linked couples may need more support to help them set boundaries between work and home."
RSS
