How to Handle a Roommate Who's Always on Video Calls
Work-from-home roommate taking over shared spaces with back-to-back meetings? Here's how to set boundaries that work for both of you.
Remote work has transformed shared homes into part-time offices. If your roommate is on video calls from 9 to 5 in the living room, it can feel like you've lost access to your own home. But with the right boundaries, you can both thrive.
First, designate work zones. If one person works from home full-time, they should ideally use their bedroom or a dedicated space. Common areas should remain available for everyone during agreed hours.
Establish 'call-free' windows in shared spaces. For example, no video calls in the living room before 9am or after 6pm. This gives everyone time to relax without a colleague's face on the kitchen table.
Noise-cancelling headphones are non-negotiable for WFH roommates in shared spaces. If your roommate refuses, that's a conversation worth having — background chatter and meeting audio shouldn't be everyone's problem.
If space is genuinely limited, create a simple schedule. HomeCo's shared calendar feature lets you block out meeting times and common-area usage so there's no overlap or surprise.
Remember: their work is important, but so is your right to enjoy your home. A good conversation now prevents months of built-up frustration later.
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