Support your employees
How domestic abuse affects the workplace and employees
Domestic abuse costs businesses in terms of absence and reduced productivity.
Studies show that domestic abuse affects all aspects of a victim-survivor's life, including their employment, such as having to take time off, lateness and being anxious or distracted.
Abusers may directly interrupt a workplace since they know where their victim will be. They can also affect a victim's ability to carry out their work, for example by damaging work uniform or clothes, restricting access to vehicles for travel and so on.
Colleagues and managers may be the only people outside the home that victims talk to each day. They are therefore uniquely placed to help spot signs of abuse.
For those experiencing abuse, the workplace can offer a safe space and respite away from the perpetrator. Employment can also strengthen a the victim's confidence.
The right workplace environment can be life-changing, possibly even life-saving, for an employee experiencing domestic abuse.
How employers can help
Employers have a duty of care to their employees to support and help them. You can find out more on GOV.UK in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
You can help your employees and your organisation as a whole by developing a policies and guidance for your staff to follow. This is key to supporting victim-survivors.
Make sure managers are aware of the signs of abuse. Ensure your workplace a safe space for victim-survivors to disclose their experience and help them to get support.
You can also support them by:
- allowing time off when needed
- offering emotional support
- helping with safety planning
These are all things that will help your employees to remain productive in their work.
Helpful resources
More information to help you support your employees.
Domestic abuse toolkit for employers
Public Health England (PHE) and Business in the Community (BITC) created a toolkit to help you support employees. See the BITC website to access the toolkit.
Employers' initiative on domestic abuse (EIDA) handbook
Find help for your organisation to tackle domestic abuse with the EIDA handbook.