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Divorce wrecks havoc on employee performance
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Vanessa in San Francisco writes, “I'm going through a very tough divorce and its impacting my job. I have a hard time feeling emotionally strong enough to go in to the office so I've called in sick much more then usual. When I speak with my attorney about the case during the day I get very depressed about whatever new “tactic” the other side is using to damage me. I can't concentrate and my performance has slipped. My boss has noticed but has not asked me about it. I don't want to lose my job. Help.” I'm sorry to hear about your very challenging and emotionally draining divorce. It's no surprise that your work is being impacted as well. These types of difficult situations are not foreign to companies so many have policies and programs available to help employees. Here are some ideas that may work for your scenario. One, review your company's policies on leave of absence, personal time off and employee assistance programs. Get an understanding of what dispensation the company offers to employees in circumstances like yours. Two, if you are comfortable doing so share the issue with your boss. You do not need to go into detail but simply say that you are experiencing a challenging situation at home. Hopefully that will lead to a discussion of how your workload can be balanced differently during this time. Three, suggest workload changes to your boss that you feel would alleviate some of your stress. Perhaps another employee can lead that project or give the presentation if you are just not feeling 100%. Be sure that you offer to pick up alternate tasks instead. Temporarily taking on less demanding work responsibilities may allow you to remain engaged without being emotionally taxing. Four, if you feel you really need a break from work altogether discuss a leave of absence with your boss. Explain how the time away will allow you to focus on getting through these challenges and return to work refocused. Work through logistical issues with your boss on coverage during your proposed absence. Five, reach out to the human resources department for help and guidance. Your HR partner will be able to answer questions about the company policies and help you understand what sort of leave you may be entitled to. HR will also help you file all necessary paperwork and liaise with your manager on the issue. And HR will keep everything as confidential as possible. Good luck to you.
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