Ways Divorce Can Affect Work Performance | It’s a rather sad fact that the whopping 33% of all marriages in Australia end in a divorce. Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful and emotionally debilitating events in one’s life, just below the death of a spouse/family member. In that respect, people who are dealing with such a situation need time to get back on track and heal. It’s not uncommon that all this stress and hurt accumulate so much so that it all starts showing up in various aspects of one’s life, including the professional. But by knowing how a divorce can affect work performance, it might be possible to take adequate measures to recover in due time.
Work Environment Turns Stressful for Everyone
In order for everyone in the office to be fully productive and happy, they have to work as a team and bring their positive attitude together with knowledge and expertise. However, even trying to be productive and positive can turn into a huge challenge when one is dealing with divorce aftermath. When one person is stressed, irritable, and prone to arguments in a workplace, the whole team can break apart. Such a toxic environment can easily end up lowering work performance.
Constant Distraction Leads to Inefficiency
With emotional turmoil building up inside of you in the face of a divorce, it’s only natural that your job won’t be a priority for you for a while. What’s more, there are plenty of other things you’ll need to deal with, such as your living and financial situation. In this case, working with professionals such as expert family lawyers from North Brisbane can make things easier in some respects, but you’re the one responsible for your behavior at work. That said, you might not be capable of fighting the distractions from all the thoughts and emotions you’re dealing with from your personal life, which can damage your work efficiency. This is why it’s always recommended to take some time off while you’re dealing with the divorce procedures.
The Danger of Poor Decision-Making
Due to the heaviness in your heart and mind and the mentioned ease of distraction when going through a divorce, your ability to make sound and profitable decisions at work may be compromised. Not only does this affect your work performance, but it can also damage the company you work for directly in one way or another, depending on your position. Even if you decide to take some time off, it’s crucial that you surround yourself with people you trust and get into a familiar routine. Don’t just look for an adrenaline rush by making a bad decision to suddenly take a trip across Australia and climb Uluru, for instance.
Frequent Absence from Work
It’s true that most of the divorce proceedings can be handled by your lawyers, but you’ll still need to take time away from work from time to time, be it for personal or legal reasons. The absence itself can cause your work performance to drop, which is precisely why you should talk to your boss about delegating some of your tasks. Not only will this be easier on you during this difficult time in your life, but your boss will appreciate your effort and acknowledgment of the issue your absence might cause to the company.
Playing the Divorcee Card for Too Long
Everyone knows and understands that going through a divorce takes a huge emotional toll on you. Therefore, it’s only logical that you’ll need time to recover and get back on track work-wise. However, this won’t last forever. Actually, the moment you start making open excuses about your shortcomings and lack of attention at work due to the fact that you had to go through a divorce, you can fall into a self-made trap.
Most workplaces will be understanding of your situation and allow you to take some time off. And you’re bound to need some extra time to get things going once you’re back at work. But, as months go by, your bosses and co-workers won’t tolerate poor work performance and slacking. Of course, we’re not talking about serious divorce consequences here that might affect you, such as depression. The point here is not to wreck your career yourself simply because you got used to the pity treatment.
Don’t Overreact to Criticism
It’s clear that your divorce can affect your work performance negatively. This is precisely why you should use up some vacation days, take the time you need to recover, surround yourself with the people you love, and do your best to practice self-care. However, work is still work. Even though they might be understanding, it’s the duty of your manager and/or employer to point out the mistakes that you might have been making as well as talk about you in regards to being distracted, lack of efficiency, and so on. Now, keep in mind that most people will do this responsibly and carefully, without trying to insult you or belittle your emotional trauma.
That said, just because you receive some constructive criticism at work during the time when you feel emotionally vulnerable, try to reason it and prevent yourself from overreacting. It’s too easy to feel attacked when you’re going through something difficult in your personal life, but your colleagues are not there to attack you. Inappropriate behavior can get you fired or you could even quit yourself in anger. Only in Australia, more than 85% of unemployed people find it difficult to find a new job. That said, even with losing your marriage, it’s still worth it to be mindful of the other things that you have.
Emotional trauma associated with divorce is not something to take lightly. Aside from your work performance, failing to deal with your feelings properly can end up causing much bigger damage later on in every single aspect of your life. Therefore, take the time you need to heal and reflect on the whole situation. Trust your lawyers and trust yourself to do the right thing for everyone involved and especially you.