Workplace Challenges
Violence and the officeDomestic violence may seem like a concern of the home rather than the office, but chances are it affects your workplace. |
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 [ 2007-10-14 ] |
© 2007 Jupiterimages Corporation
One in four female employees have been the target of domestic violence, according to a recent survey by Liz Claiborne Inc., victim assistance agency Safe Horizon, and the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence.
Corporate executives, however, estimated that only 6% of their full-time employees were victims of domestic violence. While they often recognized the effects of domestic violence in the workplace, only 13% of executives thought their company should address the problem.
RAMIFICATIONS
Violence in the home has ramifications in the office, such as increased absenteeism, tardiness and diminished performance, said Scott Millstein, interim CEO of Safe Horizon.
"Domestic violence shows up in subtle ways in the workplace," he said. "It doesn't always show up with a black eye or a broken arm."
Co-workers also have to cover for the affected employee and sometimes fear for their own safety, he said.
As with other employee issues, such as elder care or health problems, domestic violence requires flexibility, said Kim Wells, executive director of the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence. An employee might need a location change, a new telephone number and help finding support networks, she said.
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