Support for Employers
Divorce, separation and relationship breakdowns take a heavy toll on a workplace - impacting both people and profits.
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A relationship breakdown can have a devastating effect on the mental wellbeing of the employee concerned, resulting in increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and lowered morale.
This has a knock-on effect on colleagues and managers, many of whom often have to fill in for the employee experiencing a relationship breakdown, resulting in increased stress and additional workload.
Divorce, separation and relationship breakdowns therefore have a very significant impact on the performance of a company - the British Chamber of Commerce estimated that it costs the UK economy a staggering £48bn per year in reduced/lost performance, sick pay and other costs involved in cover/replacements for staff.
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Despite 95% of the workforce revealing that a relationship breakdown affected their mental health at work, and 57% stating that they did not feel supported by their employer during a divorce or separation, currently only 9% of employers are known to have a Divorce or Relationship Breakdown policy or support provision in place.
Follow in the footsteps of some of the UK's biggest brands, such as Tesco, PwC, Unilever and Metro Bank, in recognising that your employees need dedicated support during one of the most challenging events in their life; divorce or separation.
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Divorce and/or the end of a significant life partnership is considered one of the most stressful life events, second only to the death of a spouse or life partner. Your employee(s) will at this time be experiencing shock, confusion, betrayal and unimaginable pain and sadness - and this will undoubtedly affect their performance at work.
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In addition to the emotional stress, they may need to move home, change their working hours, and make new childcare arrangements. The average divorce in the UK was calculated to cost £14,561 back in 2018, so your employee will also be under some significant financial strain.
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Added to this, the shortest and least complicated divorce takes a minimum of six months; with many lasting much longer, so your staff will need support if they are to maintain optimal performance during this time.
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You can support your staff by implementing a dedicated Family Separation Policy; recognising the breakdown of a relationship as a significant life event, and providing support similar to your existing provisions for bereavement.
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Train your managers to recognise when a staff member may be struggling, before it becomes an ER issue
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Be proactive in offering support and directing staff to services that can provide specialist assistance
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Offer flexible working hours, and hybrid working to allow a staff member to make the necessary life adjustments
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Consider offering paid leave
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Allow time off for legal appointments
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Signpost to your Employee Assistance Programme which should provide legal and financial advice
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Provide a dedicated Relationship Coach who can provide specialist support; entirely different to a generalist counsellor.
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