Divorce can be stressful, so naturally, it can impact work performance. Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that while, on average, participants in a recent study reported poorer job performance and a more negative mood at work, more than one-third said that going through a divorce positively impacted their work. The study used a survey to compare the experiences of more than 500 married or cohabiting people going through a divorce or divorce within the last five years.
Divorce and Productivity at Work
Modern Family Law reports that a typical divorce costs an average of 168 hours of work time. The emotional distress of a divorce results in absenteeism, poor decision-making, and a lack of concentration that costs businesses roughly $75 billion a year. The stress of a divorce can impact health and well-being, which is passed on to employers through increased healthcare costs and higher health insurance premiums.
The employees in the study who said their divorce positively impacted their work reported that removing the stress of a failing marriage enabled them to concentrate on their careers with renewed motivation.
How Can Employers Support Employees Going Through Divorce?
According to the American Psychological Association, between 40 and 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce. This means every employer can expect to feel the effects of divorce in the workplace at some point because it is difficult to keep personal problems completely separate from work life. Employers can help support employees under emotional stress by using some of the following strategies:
- Flexible work arrangements: Many offices retained some aspects of remote work initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these options can be helpful to employees going through divorce. The freedom to schedule legal appointments can relieve some of the stress related to the divorce process.
- Programs: Programs such as peer support groups, stress management workshops, legal advice clinics, and financial counseling can significantly benefit employees experiencing personal turmoil and keep them from feeling isolated during a divorce.
- Training for managers: Managers need to receive training in supporting anyone who reports suffering from a divorce with empathy, non-judgmental language, and understanding. Managers can also conduct regular informal check-ins to adapt accommodations as necessary and ensure employees feel continued support.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Divorce?
A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance through divorce by offering legal guidance. They can help navigate complex legal procedures, including filing necessary paperwork, negotiating settlements, and advocating for fair division of assets and child custody arrangements.
Additionally, lawyers can offer objective advice to help clients make informed decisions amidst emotional turmoil, and they can act as a buffer in communication between parties, reducing conflict and facilitating smoother proceedings. Ultimately, a skilled lawyer can empower you to navigate the complexities of divorce with confidence, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes while minimizing stress and uncertainty.
Our Essex Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Represent Clients Seeking a Divorce
For answers to all your questions about the divorce process, contact Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. Our compassionate Essex divorce lawyers can help guide you through this stressful period. Call 443-589-0150 or contact us online today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we represent clients in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
