Outsourcing Chores Can Lead to Happier Couples

Spending money on time-saving services boosts relationship satisfaction, especially during stressful periods, according to a Harvard study.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 1:47am

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A study by Harvard Business School professor Ashley Whillans found that couples who spend money on time-saving services like takeout, housekeepers, and dog walkers report greater relationship satisfaction, especially during stressful times. The research suggests that outsourcing chores can free up time for couples to reconnect and spend quality time together.

Why it matters

In today's fast-paced world, many couples struggle to balance careers, childcare, and household responsibilities, leading to stress and conflict. This study indicates that investing in time-saving services can alleviate some of that burden and allow couples to focus on strengthening their relationship.

The details

Whillans' research tracked busy, dual-income couples and found that on days when they made "time-saving purchases," they reported being happier and more satisfied with their relationships. However, she notes that simply outsourcing chores is not a magic fix - couples must be intentional about using the reclaimed time to connect with each other. Therapist Targol Hasankhani cautions that outsourcing can't solve deeper relationship issues, but it can open up space for couples to address problems.

  • The study was published in March 2026.

The players

Ashley Whillans

A behavioral scientist and professor at Harvard Business School who studies the tradeoffs people make between time and money.

Targol Hasankhani

A Chicago-based marriage and family therapist who emphasizes that outsourcing chores can't replace communication and addressing deeper relationship issues.

Casey Mulligan Walsh

A 71-year-old former speech pathologist and author in upstate New York who found that hiring a housekeeper once a week freed up time for her and her husband to spend together.

Elizabeth Willard

The owner of The Pickled Beet, a culinary service in Miami that prepares customized meals for families with mixed dietary needs, allowing them to avoid conflicts over what's for dinner.

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What they’re saying

“When you spend money to save time -- hiring an accountant, a babysitter, a cleaner -- you feel more control over your life. That sense of autonomy boosts well-being.”

— Ashley Whillans, Professor, Harvard Business School

“If conflict around chores is rooted in something deeper -- like inequity or not feeling heard -- hiring a cleaner won't solve that. Couples must dig deeper to address problems with many layers.”

— Targol Hasankhani, Marriage and Family Therapist

“My favorite day of the week was coming home to a clean house. We'd go get coffee together instead of arguing about who should vacuum.”

— Casey Mulligan Walsh

What’s next

Researchers plan to continue studying the long-term impacts of outsourcing chores on relationship satisfaction and overall well-being.

The takeaway

In today's busy world, investing in time-saving services can help alleviate household stress and free up quality time for couples to reconnect, but it's important that they use that reclaimed time intentionally to strengthen their relationship.