Here at The Link App we care about many things, but British business, law firms, and their clients top the list! Recent research undertaken by Resolution shows how divorce is hurting British workplace productivity. Our founder, Lauren Riley, is a member of Resolution and is committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes for the benefit of all involved. Increasing workplace productivity, in law firms initially, is the key objective of The Link App. The more effective the communication between law firms and their clients, the more productive they become. That’s why we believe that The Link App will increase productivity, and therefore profitability, for law firms. When we read the latest Resolution data, it becomes clear that many things have an effect on workplace productivity; unfortunately, relationship breakdown is one of them. Lauren has been keen to lend her support to Resolution, writing articles to highlight the problems of productivity and the cost to British business, as it’s a cause she is so passionate about.
DIVORCE HURTING BRITISH WORKPLACES One in ten have had to leave jobs after a split, or have a colleague who has; 16% have seen workplace hit by sick leave following stress of break-up; 15% say separation or divorce had a negative impact on productivity British businesses are suffering as a result of divorce and separation. That’s the finding of a new piece of research from family law not for profit group Resolution. The research, released today shows that 9% of people in the UK have either had to leave their job as a result of their own separation, or have seen a colleague move on for the same reason. According to Resolution, who commissioned the research to mark Family Dispute Resolution Week, the stress of separation also has an impact, with 16% saying they or one of their colleagues has had to take sick leave as a direct result of the anguish of a break up. While 15% of people said separation and divorce has had a negative impact on productivity where they work. Yet despite the effect it has on them or their colleagues, just 10% of people think their employers offer adequate support for people going through a break up, with 34% saying more needs to be done to provide support in the workplace for those undergoing separation or divorce. It’s estimated that divorce costs the British economy up to £46bn every year; and the British Chambers of Commerce recently minimises the relationship between employees’ wellbeing and business productivity. Jo Edwards, National Chair of Resolution, said: “It can be easy to forget that sometimes things going on outside of work have a profound effect on what happens within it, as these figures show. “With workers across Britain seeing a notable impact on productivity, taking sick leave, or even leaving their jobs altogether, divorce and separation is an issue that bosses need to take seriously and look out for the warning signs. “There are over two million small businesses (i.e. those with less than 50 employees) in Britain – for those firms, losing just one member of staff, even for a short amount of time, can have a huge impact on productivity, and on the other people that work there. “Divorce is a really stressful thing to go through – but there is a better way to deal with it. Resolution members help people manage their separation in a way that minimises conflict, focuses on the needs of any children they might have, and helps them avoid court if they can. “Divorce and separation affects a huge number of people – 73% of people in Britain have been through a split themselves, or know someone who has. “So if someone you know at work is separating from their spouse or partner, encourage them to speak to a Resolution member, read the advice on our website, or download our free guide to the options available to them. Separation is tough, but there is a better way.” Notes: 1. Resolution is a group of over 6,500 family lawyers and other professionals in England and Wales. Its members sign up to a code of conduct, which means they promote a non-confrontational, constructive approach to resolving family disputes. To find out more, visit www.resolution.org.uk 2. ComRes interviewed 4,031 GB adults online between the 26 September and 2 October 2014. Data were weighted to be representative of all GB adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Full data tables are available at www.comres.co.uk 3. On 30 October 2014, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses [recognise] that the wellbeing of their workforce improves business productivity and in turn, has a positive impact on growth.” 4. Source for small business numbers: Office for National Statistics (Data tables available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bus-register/uk-business/2013/rft—table-1.xls) 5. In June 2013, the Centre for Social Justice estimated the annual cost to Government of family breakdown to be £46 billion (Fractured Families - Why Stability Matters)