Domestic violence has a significant impact on the workplace, affecting company liability, health care costs, and employee safety, productivity and well-being. A study of employed domestic violence survivors found that 74% were harassed by their partner while they were at work. In another study of abusers, 41% had job performance problems and 48% had difficulty concentrating on the job resulting from their abusive behaviors. The CDC estimates that the annual cost of lost productivity due to domestic violence equals over $727 million, with more than 7.9 million workdays lost each year.
There is much that employers can do to support survivors and lessen the risk of danger in the workplace. And, there are a number of reasons why it is in the employers best interest to address domestic violence and be prepared to support employees who are survivors. Learn more about how you can support employees who may be experiencing abuse in their relationships. New Beginnings can consult with companies and organizations seeking to develop domestic violence policies to support their employees.
