Radha, a diligent and hardworking employee in a leading IT firm in Bangalore, had always been a top performer. Over the past few months, however, her colleagues noticed a change. She seemed distracted, exhausted and her usual enthusiasm towards her work had significantly decreased.
One day, during a routine performance review, Radha confided in her manager, explaining that she had been experiencing domestic violence at home. Her partner’s abusive behavior had left her mentally and physically drained, affecting her work.
Radha’s story mirrors that for many employees, where domestic violence is often a silent struggle, impacting not only personal lives but also their professional productivity.
Domestic violence in India:
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in India, with millions of women and men facing abuse in their homes. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), nearly 30% of Indian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence in their lifetime. While the focus often remains on women, it’s crucial to note that men too can be victims of domestic violence.
The effects of domestic violence can ripple into the workplace, severely affecting productivity. Employees who are victims of domestic abuse often experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This impacts their work performance, with symptoms like lack of focus, absenteeism, and emotional exhaustion.
What can organisations do?
It’s crucial for employers to take proactive steps in supporting employees affected by domestic violence.
Here are some ways organisations can make a difference:
- Include domestic abuse support in policies: Create workplace policies that specifically addresses domestic violence and provides clear guidelines for support, including leave and accommodations for affected employees
- Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs can offer confidential counseling services, legal assistance and resources to employees dealing with domestic violence. These programs can also provide emotional support and guidance on how to navigate such situations.
- Offer flexibility in workhours: Allow employees to manage personal crises by offering flexible work hours or the option to work remotely, which can help them balance their personal and professional lives
- Foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture: Cultivate an inclusive workplace culture where employees feel safe to talk about personal challenges. Training on gender sensitivity, domestic violence awareness and creating a non-judgmental environment is essential.
- Provide confidentiality and safety: Ensure that employees feel safe when disclosing their experiences. Respect their confidentiality and ensure that any actions taken are in their best interest and protect their safety.
If you’d like to design a customised training program on Domestic Violence for your employees, we can help. Write to us at hello@serein.in.
Together, we can create a supportive, safe and productive workplace for everyone!