What does domestic violence have to do with our workplace?

Why include domestic violence in work environment management? 

Improved health and safety: Domestic violence can lead to serious physical and psychological harm. When employers offer support to both victims and perpetrators of violence, it leads to a healthier and more productive workforce.

Increased productivity: Victims often experience increased stress and anxiety, which impacts their performance. By working on violence prevention and support, the employer can help reduce stress and increase productivity. 

Reduced costs: Domestic violence causes great suffering, above all for those who 
are exposed to the violence. It also entails major economic costs for society, such as increased 
costs for sick leave. Investing in work environment management with a focus on domestic violence pays off over time. 

More attractive employer: Being proactive in preventing and detecting domestic violence, shows your commitment to your employees’ well-being. It can contribute to your organisation being perceived as an attractive employer, to both current and future staff which can give a head start against competitors.

What does domestic violence have to do with our workplace? 

As an employer, you can be a great support for employees who have been subjected to violence, but also contribute to abusers changing their behaviour. Experiences of domestic violence have impact throughout life, including work ability and for the workplace. Preventing and combating domestic violence is part of active gender equality work.  

For victims of violence, the workplace might be the only safe place where it is possible to interact with other people than the perpetrator. Sometimes the violence follows them into work  -  through emails or phone calls, or in-person contact. Sometimes, both the victim and the perpetrator work for the same employer. 

This affects everyone. It can lead to conflict, discomfort, or added workload due to absences. 

There is no regulated obligation as an employer to work on these issues, but working actively against domestic violence from a work environment perspective can make a big difference for employees with experience of violence, and can contribute to a safer work environment. Everyone has a right to a life free from violence.