24 Jan 2025
Alisha and Chris Baddock are married and work together in the same team at Stantec in Christchurch, reporting to different managers. Alisha says that if they weren’t married, Chris would have reported to her, but she’s quick to add that “… obviously Stantec couldn’t have this arrangement”. They’ve worked together in the same office in New Zealand for four years, and prior to that, they worked for Stantec in Vancouver, Canada for three years, but in different offices.
During a typical workday, they spend about an hour together over the course of the day. They don’t work on a lot of projects together and while sometimes they sit at adjacent desks all day, there's no need to interact and there are full days in the office when their paths don’t cross. So, what's it like working with someone who knows you well after hours?
What are two great things about working together?
Alisha: Shared calendars! Great for organising travel plans, flexible work arrangements and just the one Christmas party. Also, it makes the kiddos’ juggle – pick ups/drop offs – much easier. We have two young girls aged four and seven.
Chris: It is a lot easier to have flexible working when one of us is out of town for projects – because the company has asked us to travel, they are fully supportive of what that means for the other’s availability to work. Also, it’s easier to communicate with someone who knows you so well. You can take “shortcuts” in your language and communication.
And two challenges?
Alisha: Switching off after work.Managing the Electrical Lead to deliver on said date with my “PTL hat” and not “nagging wife hat”.
Chris: None really – perhaps just navigating perceived biases.
Do your days follow the same routine as each other?
Alisha: Not at all. Chris generally works 5am – 2.30pm and does the girls’ pick up. I do 9am – 5pm and drop off the kids in the morning.
How much time outside of work do you spend discussing work?
Alisha: … neeeever! (*guilty look*)
Chris: About half an hour a day.
How do you maintain a work life balance?
Alisha: Our kids are a pretty great distraction – we love spending time with them and as a family.
What’s the biggest myth about working with your partner?
Alisha: That it’s difficult to manage or challenging. Working together is awesome.
Chris: I agree – it’s nice to be able to have lunch together every day or steal a moment for a jog around the park together during the day.
Who’s more likely to ensure you both get to work on time?
Alisha: Chris.
Chris: Me.
Who’s more likely to pull an all-nighter to meet a work deadline?
Alisha: Chris – I’m very organised and don’t need to.
Chris: Me (occasionally).
Who’s more likely to arrive first at a staff morning tea?
Alisha: Chris
Chris: Me.
Who’s more likely to stay for work drinks?
Alisha: Me.
Chris: Alisha.
How would you describe each other’s job in simple terms?
Alisha: Chris helps turn poop to power.
Chris: Alisha is in charge of making sure everyone else does their job properly.
What would your partner say to someone considering working with their partner?
Alisha: Chris would say it’s great! Your lunch is always made and delivered to you! (Admittedly we take turns).
Chris: Alisha would say it’s hard not to get distracted by a handsome husband within line of sight all day.
This article was first published in the December 2024 issue of EG magazine.
