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July 2023  Volume 21, Number 7        
 

couple counseling

Unlocking Employee Potential with Divorce Coaching Benefits

A divorce is a life event that is both common and challenging, and its impact on an employee’s professional life can be profound. The most recent CDC data shows that over 34% of marriages end in divorce.

According to a 2022 Good Housekeeping and SupportPay study, about 70% of the workforce is touched by divorce at any given time. The psychological stress, time-consuming legal proceedings, and financial worries associated with divorce can significantly affect an employee’s concentration, motivation, and overall work performance.

It’s no wonder that research suggests an employee’s productivity can decline up to 40 percent in the six months prior to and for up to five years after a divorce.

Health, Financial Strains, and Absenteeism: The Personal Costs of Divorce

Beyond lost productivity, divorce can take a toll on an employee’s health and financial stability. Sixty-seven percent of divorced people experience health declines and strains on finances, data from the Good Housekeeping study suggests.

Even more struggle with work absenteeism and lost productivity for over a year. This disruption can be so overwhelming that it can lead to some employees to making the drastic decision to leave their job, with studies showing that about 10% of employees quit their job due to divorce.

For divorced parents, the challenges are even greater. The day-to-day operations of being a divorced working parent can wear down the most diligent employee and lead to burnout.

Managing childcare arrangements, attending court appointments, and dealing with the emotional fallout from divorce all add to the strain.

The Role of Divorce Coaching

In the face of these challenges, divorce coaching emerges as an innovative solution offering emotional and practical support.

Divorce coaches work with employees to help manage the demands of court appearances, navigate complicated custody arrangements, and assist with financial planning. By alleviating the burden of these tasks, employees can maintain their focus on work and continue contributing to the organization.

Benefits to Employers

TProviding resources that help employees who are going through a divorce also benefits the organization by reducing productivity losses.

Divorce coaching can also help reduce turnover. Providing divorce coaching shows employees that the organization values and supports them, potentially preventing the 10% of job losses linked to divorce.

In addition, supporting an employee through a major life event such as divorce can foster increased loyalty and dedication. Employees that feel supported by their employer during tough times are more likely to be committed to the organization and its goals.

Integration into Employee Benefits Programs

Successfully integrating divorce coaching into existing employee benefits programs requires a team effort involving HR managers and company leaders. As the first point of contact for employees seeking help, HR managers play a pivotal role in providing divorce support.

By receiving training to understand the issues facing an employee going through a divorce, HR managers can help employees access the support and resources they need more quickly, thereby mitigating the negative impact on productivity.

Complementing Traditional Employee Assistance Programs

Divorce coaching is not meant to replace traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) but is designed to complement and enhance these existing services.

EAPs typically provide assistance in finding an attorney, mental health counselor, or other professional resources to help employees manage their stress. Access to financial wellness benefits like a financial advisor, emergency childcare benefits, and robust PTO policies are also necessary and much appreciated.

Divorce coaching can fill in the gaps, offering a more personalized level of support. It can provide practical assistance with the legalities of divorce and custody arrangements and emotional support during a destabilizing time.

Creating a Culture of Empathy

By providing a safety net during one of life’s most stressful periods, employers can help ensure that employees are able to bring their best selves to work, even amidst personal hardships.

The goal of implementing divorce coaching is not just about mitigating productivity losses. It’s about creating a culture of empathy and support that extends to all areas of an employee’s life.

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In this issue:

This Just In ... Mitigate Employee Recession Fears and Pandemic Effects by Boosting Employee Wellness

Unlocking Employee Potential with Divorce Coaching Benefits

The Silent Crisis: Rising Mental Health Problems at Work

The IRS Takes on Inflation: Major Changes in HSA and HDHP for 2024

How to Compete in Today’s Tight Labor Market

 

 


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