Divorce is a challenging period in anyone’s life, especially when working full time. In fact, according to consultancy firm Integrated Organizational Development (IOD), productivity from a divorcing employee drops 50 to 75 percent and can take up to five years to rebound.
During this time, it is important to prioritize job security and preserve financial health, while managing stress and balancing work-life dynamics. This also means maintaining professionalism at work and avoiding changing jobs, if possible.
The following are some guidelines on how to handle work during divorce, helping you stay focused and effective at work during this difficult time.
Taking Good Care of Your Work, and Yourself
Handling work during a divorce can be tough but finding a balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being is important. Setting boundaries is crucial; try to designate specific times for work-related tasks and divorce-related matters. Whenever possible delegate tasks to alleviate some of your burdens. Manage phone calls and divorce paperwork efficiently by scheduling them during breaks or after work hours to minimize disruptions.
Since timing is essential in the divorce process consider when to discuss and take action related to your divorce. This can help prevent unnecessary distractions or conflicts at work. By strategically managing your time and responsibilities, you can maintain productivity and professionalism amid personal challenges.
Should You Tell Your Coworkers About Your Divorce?
One common question divorce lawyers are asked is: should you tell your boss you’re getting divorced? While work and personal life are often kept separate, divorce can significantly impact an individual’s emotional state and work performance. Deciding whether to share this information depends on various factors including the nature of your workplace culture, your relationship with colleagues and your comfort level with disclosing personal matters.
Before disclosing your divorce to coworkers, consider the potential consequences and benefits. Sharing such personal information may garner support and understanding from colleagues, fostering a more compassionate work environment. However, if disclosing personal matters could potentially compromise your professionalism or lead to unwanted gossip it may be best to keep your divorce process private.
Ultimately, the decision to share information about your divorce with coworkers is a personal one. By carefully considering your circumstances and workplace dynamics you can manage work during divorce with grace and professionalism.