Twenty five-year-old retail employee Harshvardhan believes a smart spouse is not only an inspiration, but can also help better a professional's image at work. "It's easier discussing professional endeavours with an able partner, as they understand and give you better perspective of the situation."

At a time, when the boundaries between personal and professional lives are fading, the family, especially the spouse, is seen as playing an important role in a professional's life. Employers too, are looking at getting families involved in activities at their organisation. Should families/spouses be passive or active key players at work? We get you all the gyaan.

Harshvardhan, Retail Employee

Work life, personal life are interdependent  

* If an employee is having personal problems at home, it reflects in his/her productivity at work. Getting in touch with the employee's family and finding the reasons behind those problems is important. It will not only help the employee, but the company as well, since it will help him work better.

* If an employee has problems at work, then it affects both his/her personal and professional lives. The employer, the employee and his family have to work in tandem to make things better.


Eyeing a new job? Your spouse could be the clincher

When it comes to that lucrative promotion/appraisal you have been craving for, your sassy spouse could be your trump card

A smart spouse creates a lasting impression on colleagues and bosses, thereby improving your image at your work place.

If you have a spouse who is aware of your work dynamics and understands it well, it enhances your chance of being seen as a sensible and responsible worker.

A harmonious association between you and your partner will help you be seen as an asset to the company.

A smart spouse can serve as a sounding board, and will offer sound advice.

If you are an introvert, it pays to have an extrovert spouse, since they help you build bonds at official get-togethers.


Ramya Bhardwaj, HR Consultant

An employer should organise get-togethers, give special benefits

In order to develop a healthy office-home environment, it is vital that companies make employees' families feel at home. HR consultant Ramya Bhardawaj tells you how:

* Organise get-togethers like an annual day/family day, or an outing where families of employees can meet each other. Gatherings like these help inculcate company values in the employee's family. They also strengthen the bond between the employer and employee.

* Arrange special benefits. Perks like a family assistance programme, where psychological help is provided not only to the employee but to his/her family, and insurance policies for the entire lot, are beneficial.

* Interact regularly through phone calls and e-mails. Through this process, an employer can get a clear picture of an employee's personal front, which is useful for an employee's overall well-being and the company's profile.

* Involvement of families/spouses in business trips and official meets brings in an improved synergy at work.


Any decision that I take is not entirely mine, especially a professional one. I discuss my plans with my husband, Shakti (Anand). I value his judgment, and I think it's the same for him. Professional decisions affect families, and therefore, should be taken only after consulting them. Moreover, discussing issues reduces stress in a relationship and helps strengthen the marital bond.

- TV actress Sai Deodhar, on her relationship with husband and co-actor Shakti Anand