You should let your boss know you are getting a divorce, as you may need to make changes in your schedule to deal with divorce proceedings. Additionally, some of your employment details may need to be updated. For example, if you had included your spouse in your health insurance plan. You should also change your tax withholding status.
So, how can you tell your employer you are dissolving your marriage while maintaining professionalism?
Here are two tips to consider:
Focus on how the divorce may affect your work
When telling your employer you are going through a divorce, focus on how it might affect your job. For instance, you may need a reduction in your workload to attend legal meetings or court proceedings, might leave work early or come in late on some days and so forth. You should be honest when discussing these matters so your boss knows what to expect.
Divorce proceedings can be unpredictable. Even if you are going through a non-contentious process, which may make you believe you don’t need to make changes at work, anything can happen. Your divorce may take longer than expected. You may also need to take some time off to attend therapy sessions. Thus, it’s vital to request schedule flexibility from your boss.
Tell them how you plan to catch up on work
Inform your employer of the strategies you will implement to catch up on work once you are back on your feet. For example, you will work extra hours or seek support from colleagues.
You don’t need to share every detail of your divorce when breaking the news to your boss. But your message should be informative and professional. Learn more about how to tell different people in your life you are getting a divorce.
