For many people going through a divorce, life must continue on in a variety of ways. There are children to be taken care of, bills to be paid, and social functions to attend. And, for most people, there is still a job or career to manage.
If you’re juggling work obligations as well as a stressful divorce, you can find success at both by knowing how to address the matter with others at the office before, during, and after your divorce proceedings. Here are a few key communication tips.
1. Consult With Your Attorney
Divorce can be a legal minefield of unexpected consequences. If you were to disparage your spouse in front of a co-worker, for instance, they may have to divulge what was said during divorce or custody battles. And social media posts by others could be used to paint you in a bad light.
Go over the ground rules with your divorce lawyer as soon as possible so that you understand what you should and shouldn’t say and divulge. Take advantage of their experience in the matter.
2. Start at the Top
One of the first people you should probably talk with about a pending divorce is your supervisor. They may be impacted if you need some extra time off to handle legal matters or your focus is affected. If the divorce will become public news, they also deserve a heads-up. Many bosses will also be much more understanding if you are proactive and honest with them.
When talking with your boss, stay focused on how things in your job will be affected. Let your supervisor know that your goal will be to keep work and home separate. Outline specific steps you will take to achieve that. For instance, make a plan to leave your personal phone turned off during work hours. Or have all divorce-related calls routed through your attorney first.
3. Discuss It with Human Resources
One of the next steps at your workplace is to have a conversation with HR about the situation.
First off, you’ll likely want to restrict information from being given out to others, including your spouse. You may need to revoke some permissions given in writing in the past. The divorce may affect your benefits, including beneficiaries or shared insurance plans. These business details are important.
Secondly, though, Human Resources can help you handle the divorce on a more personal level. They are more aware of the legal issues than most workers and can help run interference if things become uncomfortable with any coworkers.
4. Talk With Close Friends
Those with whom you’re close as workmates likely already know that there is a problem brewing. Take the time, though, to let them know that you’ve reached this stage.
The level of detail you get into will depend on your established relationship with each person. If you choose to let some into your confidence, try to keep conversations outside of work hours. And let them know who else knows the same level of detail — and who does not — so that they can help protect your privacy.
5. Keep It Professional With Others
With the majority of workmates, you may not even need to discuss the divorce at all. Prepare a stock answer for those with whom you’re not close. Rather than try to actively hide your divorce news, simply be professional and succinct, giving the basic facts without adding any gossip-fueling personal details.
Knowing with whom and how to discuss your divorce at work, you can forestall problems and maintain your professional work life. For more tips about handling both work and divorce, contact the experienced legal professionals at Randall A. Wolffe & Associates, Ltd., today.
