Boost Productivity: Workplace Divorce Coaching


Divorce, otherwise referred to as the dissolution of a relationship, often triggers a flood of overwhelming emotions. For many, this experience ushers in a period of fear and uncertainty about navigating through such a tumultuous time. The emotional upheaval this causes can often have a profound effect on workplace performance, degrading relationships within the professional sphere.

Regrettably, in North America, more than a third of marriages end in divorce. This figure climbs to a staggering 60 per cent or higher for individuals remarrying. These statistics are a clear call to action for strategies that can better assist those impacted, including children frequently caught in the crossfire. It’s our duty to help them disengage from the seemingly endless cycle of “divorce-go-round” and steer them towards a healthier, more positive path. This may require more resources and support, but it will provide a foundation for fresh starts in the aftermath of what may seem like a dead end.

Ranked second on the conventional stress scale measuring life events, divorce is only surpassed by the death of a spouse or child. The emotional weight and lack of confidence can lead many to buckle under the strain of navigating division of their lives, marking a clear negative impact on their mental health.

According to research by Integrated Organizational Development, a North Carolina-based firm, divorce proceedings can considerably affect the productivity of workers. The estimated cost per worker going through a divorce is approximately $8,300, assuming an average hourly wage of $19.50 and a drop in productivity between 50 and 75 per cent. This estimate takes into account the necessary time off a worker might need to handle legal, financial, and psychological challenges arising from their divorce-related grief.

Click here for more details on how to provide divorce support in the workplace and to learn how The Smart Divorce can extend a helping hand.

(As published in The Huffington Post)

Divorce, or the breakdown of a relationship, is an extremely emotional process. It leads people to a crossroad filled with fear and confusion about navigating the journey ahead. This life-altering event can turn their world upside down, triggering unsettling and distressing emotions. The aftermath of such emotional distress in the workplace can be devastating, negatively affecting both personal life and professional relationships.

In North America, close to 50 percent of marriages tragically end in divorce, with the rate rising to a staggering 60 percent for subsequent marriages. The societal assumption that divorces are entirely negative is proven wrong multiple times when people decided to break free from bad relationships and aim for healthier lives. We need to foster such choices by equipping them with the right resources to navigate their path through this difficult time.

According to the classic rating scale of stressful life events, divorce consistently ranks second, surpassed only by the death of a spouse or child. The overwhelming burden and diminished self-confidence can lead many individuals to buckle under the pressure, causing negative moods and reduced concentration.

John Curtis, a representative from Integrated Organizational Development, affirms that divorce proceedings undoubtedly reduce a worker’s productivity. The estimated cost per worker going through a divorce is about $8,300. This figure assumes an average wage of $19.50 per hour, a drop in productivity between 50 percent and 75 percent, and days missed due to the worker taking necessary time off to deal with the legal, financial, and psychological issues related to the divorce.

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The average cost to an organization for employees going through a divorce has been estimated at over $83,000 per year. With nearly half of marriages ending in divorce, this substantial yet often overlooked cost to businesses needs an effective solution. The Smart Divorce program can help.

The effects of divorce, ranked second only to the death of a spouse or child on a scale of stressful life events, can easily spill into the workplace. This can lead to lost time, more frequent errors, and a stifling of creativity. Angry employees may even project their feelings onto co-workers or customers. The Smart Divorce program eases employees through this difficult and common situation by educating them to manage the divorce process effectively, ensuring they remain mindful and productive at the workplace.

Through a tailored program that may include Events and Professional Development, One-on-One Coaching for individual employees, the acclaimed The Smart Divorce book, or a comprehensive The Smart Divorce Guide, we aim to support your employees through this tough time. Our goal is to help your employees focus on their career goals with hope and confidence, so they can contribute more productively to their jobs. This not only benefits your employees but can also result in positive impacts for your organization.

There are numerous reasons why your organization might want to consider The Smart Divorce:

  • 90% of workplace violence is related to employee divorce and child custody problems**
  • Child custody issues may lead to problems with health care administration, absenteeism, time off for court dates, and shortened hours**
  • It can take up to 5 years for employee productivity to rebound post-divorce**

To equip your organization with cost-effective resources to maintain productivity and mindfulness, consider The Smart Divorce program. For more details, contact Sarah at (647) 493-1800 or complete an inquiry form.

For more on The Smart Divorce events, professional development opportunities, One-on-One Divorce Coaching, The Smart Divorce book, and The Smart Divorce Guide, call Sarah today at (647) 493-1800 or complete an inquiry form. These cost-effective resources may help your employees maintain focus and productivity during a personally challenging time.

**Sources: Integrated Organizational Development (http://www.iodinc.com/). Based on an average wage of $19.50/hr and 10 employees divorcing per year. Lost productivity of divorcing employee is estimated based on a divorcing employee’s performance falling 50% – 75%. Assumes time off spent dealing with legal, financial, psychological issues related to divorce; and loss of productivity as a result of time spent dealing directly/indirectly with issues of employees’ performance and/or productivity. – Allan Gorman – Vice President of Marriage Works of Hartford County

Final Reflections

It can be difficult to navigate the turbulent seas of a marital breakdown, which frequently results in low mood and poor concentration. This emotional turmoil can negatively impact a person’s personal and professional relationships, which can impair performance at work.

In North America, divorce occurs in more than one-third of marriages, and the rate soars to a startling 60 percent for successive unions. This cultural reality emphasizes the need for more tools and services to assist people in dividing their lives and coping with the sadness associated with divorce.

Workplace productivity might be significantly impacted by divorce procedures. Taking into consideration the time off required to address the legal, financial, and psychological obstacles, it is anticipated that the cost per employee going through a divorce will be around $8,300. This statistic serves as a strong reminder to managers and employers to give their staff the assistance they need during these tough times.

The Smart Divorce and other similar programs can help in this case. By offering one-on-one coaching, opportunities for professional growth, and other tools, they assist people in maintaining a clear focus on their career goals, which has a positive and beneficial effect on the workplace.

In conclusion, even though divorce might have terrible repercussions, it’s crucial to keep in mind that it’s not the end. People can go through this challenging time with the correct resources and support and come out the other side with a fresh perspective on life. They have the power to leave behind unhealthy relationships and take steps toward leading fulfilling lives. This is advantageous for both the individuals and their employers because happier, healthier workers are more productive.

Keep in mind that how you handle the separation—not the breakup—is what matters. You can change a bad situation into a good one with the correct assistance, putting all of your time and effort into creating a better future.

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