How Divorce Impacts Your Work

Getting a divorce is a major life event. It’s something that affects virtually every aspect of life, including work. Dealing with a divorce in the workplace can be a complicated undertaking. Do you tell your boss? What about your co-workers?

Many people have a hard time navigating a divorce while trying to focus on work. Some employers have an all-business attitude, preferring that employees leave their personal problems at home. However, given that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, it’s likely that an employer will have to deal with a divorcing employee at some point.

And they should. Many workers feel as though they didn’t receive enough support from their employer during their divorce. Many would have especially liked to receive more mental health support.

Indeed, a divorce negatively impacts work. Those going through a divorce report poorer job performance, worsened health, and a negative mood at work. However, 39% of those going through a divorce claimed that divorcing had a positive impact on their work, so divorce is not always negative.

While some people feel distracted at work and unable to fully perform their tasks after a divorce, others feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off of them and they have a renewed sense of energy. A person was more likely to have a negative mood when they were dealing with a decrease in financial stability. Surprisingly, parents were more likely to feel more positive while at work than those without children. So people can have vastly different workplace experiences following a divorce.

How Employers Can Help

Employers might not want to get involved with an employee’s personal affairs, like a divorce. However, a divorce is not something that can be simply ignored. Each person is different and human resource professionals cannot comprehend what an employee is going through. Employees need support. They may be feeling depressed and angry. They may not be able to concentrate on work as much because there is just so much on their minds.

All employers should have a better understanding of how to treat their divorcing employees. Open and honest communication is key. Employers should have a discussion about what would best suit the divorcing employee’s needs. Some examples include flexible work options, the ability to work remotely, mental health resources, and career development opportunities. A willingness to listen shows compassion and helps reassure the employee as they transition from married to single life.

Seek Legal Help

A divorce is a highly complex and emotional issue. It’s something that takes up a lot of time and as well as a lot of space in your mind, so it’s common for it to affect your work and other aspects of everyday life.

Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you deal with the emotional aspects of a divorce. We’ll help you feel better about yourself. To schedule a consultation, call 954-764-4330 or fill out the online form.

Source:

twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/how-divorce-impacts-work