When going through a significant breakup, separation or divorce it has an impact on every area of our lives. Most people find that they struggle at work, it can be hard to concentrate whilst you are heartbroken and your whole life is in turmoil.
Yet there has been no official support from employers for employees going through such a life changing event. It has been treated as a private matter for people and any support given by employers is very much dependant on the understanding and empathy of the line manager.
There have been recent discussions to recognise divorce and separation as a “life event” within HR workplace policies. This is a huge step forward in ensuring people get the support they need at such a difficult time. With nearly 50% of marriages ending in divorce, there are potentially a large number of people within any one organisation feeling the impacts at any one time.
A recent study by Rayden's Solicitors produced some worrying statistics, although to those who have gone through it the stats are potentially not surprising.
The findings showed that 93% of men and 74% of women said that divorce affected their performance at work and their ability to do their job. 60% said it impacted their mental health causing anxiety, stress and depression. Unfortunately these conditions are felt 24/7 not just outside of working hours.
Not Enough Support From Employers
The findings also showed that employers are not doing enough to support their employees.
Over half of employees going through a divorce said they wanted more support from their employers and 27% wanted their employer to offer recommendations for external support.
The Impact on Businesses of Not Providing Support
By not providing the right support to employees, companies will really feel the impact. As you would expect productivity naturally drops whilst someone is going through such a crisis.
Productivity is estimated to reduce by 40% in the first year and 20% in the second year following divorce. There is also a ripple affect across teams, co workers also see a dip in productivity of 4%.
Other impacts felt by businesses:
23% of people going through separation or divorce were absent from work using sick or unpaid leave
15% saw an increase in errors at work
Nearly 10% left their companies in the year post divorce
11% stopped working altogether
Considering the findings of this research, the commercial impact on businesses and the significant impact separation and divorce has on peoples mental health, then hopefully we will see companies implement more support in the future for its employees. They can't really afford not to.
Support
If you yourself need some support or you have an employee you would like to recommend a coach to then please get in touch. Here are some of the ways I can help:
Help fast track the recovery process
Help making decisions and gaining clarity
Shepherding through the legal process
Help coping with negative emotions
Help getting organised as a single parent
Support in dealing with a difficult or toxic ex partner
Help lesson the overall impact on performance at work
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