The Organizational Benefits of Assisting Domestically Abused Employees

In: Public personnel management, Volume 28, Issue 3, p. 365-374

Abstract

Domestic violence is no longer confined to the home; it is creeping into the workplace. Whether it is harassing telephone calls to an employee, a stalker in the parking lot, or an angry spouse who attacks a partner while he or she is at work, domestic violence is a problem that leaders cannot afford to ignore. Predictably, people suffering from family violence may quickly become problems in the workplace. And, many of these "problem employees" who have difficulty getting to work on time, focusing on tasks, or who are frequently absent from work, may, in fact, be victims of domestic violence. In addition, the National Safe Workplace Institute estimates that domestic violence affects employers in a number of ways, e.g., decreased productivity, increased legal liability, increased absenteeism, and increased health care costs. In fact, it is estimated that domestic violence costs organizations $5 billion a year. This article gives a definition of domestic violence, outlines the numerous costs of domestic violence to employers, and suggests steps employers can take to assist domestically abused employees.