Support | Does 'divorce strain' need to be treated the same way as mental health problems?

Divorce is a challenging time, which can have a big impact on a person’s mental health. But is it enough for employers to simply acknowledge this, or should they be providing more specific support for those experiencing the strain of divorce?

A recent pledge signed by major firms to support employees going through a divorce suggests that the latter may be true.

The divorce support pledge

The pledge, which was signed by firms such as Barclays, Lloyds, and Vodafone, commits employers to providing additional support for staff going through a divorce or separation. This includes offering flexible working arrangements, access to counselling services, and signposting to relevant external support services.

The move has been praised by many as a positive step towards recognising the impact that divorce can have on an individual’s wellbeing, and the role that employers can play in supporting them through this difficult time. But is there really a need for employers to offer such specific support, and does divorce ‘strain’ really need to be treated in the same way as mental health?