Episode 232: Sharing the Load: Recognizing and Reducing Invisible Work at Home with Dr. Janelle Wells
/In this week’s episode, we’ll explore the invisible work we all do every day in our homes — the mental load, emotional labor, and all those tasks that keep our families running but often go unnoticed. To help me explore this, I’m joined by Dr. Janelle Wells, professor at the University of South Florida and co-author of the book Our (In)visible Work. Dr. Janelle brings both research and lived experience to this conversation, and together we talk about how we can start naming and shifting the unseen labor we carry, and move toward a more balanced and intentional family life.
Here are the main points:
Understanding what invisible work is and its effect on everyday family life
How invisible labor continues through generations and needs regular adjustment in today’s relationships
Using feelings like anger and frustration to raise awareness and set boundaries around invisible work
Making hidden family tasks visible by creating shared systems and distributing responsibilities
Recognizing and valuing the unpaid, unseen work women do at home and in the community
Appreciating invisible work in others can influence how we see our own worth
Helping parents identify and honor their own often unnoticed roles through self-reflection activities
Exploring respectful ways to ask for recognition and share invisible family duties
Resources:
If you enjoyed our conversation with Dr. Wells, follow her on Instagram @docjewells, Facebook @janellewells and X (formerly Twitter @docjewells.
Remember, invisible work keeps families running and acknowledging it helps create balance and connection.