A Texas divorce can often have a significant impact on the couple involved and those close to them. Emotions can become unsettled and fear sometimes replaces trust as a common day-to-day occurrence. However, the process of divorce affects more than just the parties to the proceedings -- it can also negatively affect the workplace and co-workers. Even when divorce appears to be inevitable, making new beginnings and getting off of the emotional rollercoaster that a stressful marriage can bring is an important step to getting one's life back on track.
In North America, it is estimated that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Simply by the numbers involved, divorce may ultimately affect a worker's productivity. Estimates place the cost of divorce at approximately $8,300 per worker, assuming the worker was making $19.50 per hour and also estimating a productivity drop of 50 to 75 percent. That estimate also takes into account the days that a worker will miss due to the inevitable scheduling hassles of divorce as well as the financial strain and sometimes accompanying psychological issues.
Divorce can affect supervisors who may have to intervene and deal with emotional workers as well as any performance or productivity issues. Co-workers may also be affected due to an increased workload from the worker missing days or lower work output. If a senior member of the organization is facing divorce, a more dramatic impact can be expected.
Texas employers can attempt to decrease the negative effects of a worker's divorce by being supportive and even empathetic. Acting as a problem solver may only exacerbate the problem, and a good approach includes being an active listener without providing advice. Referring the employee to appropriate company resources for assistance may also help in curbing lower productivity. And it is suggested that maintaining a position of authority and refraining from becoming someone's therapist can also help keep distracted workers on track.
But what about the distracted worker? It is understandable that the breakup of a relationship is difficult but so is the ability to continue to earn a living. Making good use of all available resources is a great first step on the road to recovery. Trying to maintain an even keel in the workplace while sorting through difficult issues at home will likely lead to better days ahead.
Source: Huffington Post, "Downgrading Divorce From Crisis To Process In The Workplace," Deborah Moskovitch, March 1, 2012
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