How To Support An Employee Attending A Legal Battle

Hi Mousmi,

What is the concession given to an employee if he/she has to attend court for divorce on a regular basis? Please help me with this as we have an employee who is undergoing a divorce case. Are there any legal obligations or laws for this? How do we maintain the records? Do they have to submit any proof that such and such case is ongoing?

Please help me with this query.

Thank you.

Hi Mousmi,

There is no legal obligation for this situation. This is purely a personal issue of an employee. If the employee has to attend the court hearing, then he/she should apply for leave accordingly.

Agree with Mr. Mahesh Nair that there is no legal obligation of the employer in such a situation, but the employer should be considerate in such matters.

Dear Mousomi,

Since you shared about the case, please allow me to ask if you have a psychologist or therapist for your employees? Life-cycle cases would pop up every now and then. You can create an employee-friendly environment by designing work functions that will take care of their needs, which will support their professional growth.

However, to make their lives better, please consider hiring a psychologist. Your employees may not share their personal concerns at work with their friends and peers. However, being able to open up to someone who can help them with coping skills and personal development will make them collectively more effective.

Mousmi,

I agree with (Cite Contribution). It is very important to build a trust-based support system. For most smaller companies, a full-time psychologist may look like a cost center when the pressure is to create profit centers only. In that case, having a part-time consulting counselor serves the purpose. It is also important to look at the efficiency that a well-supported and high morale team brings to the system, and hence in an oblique way this actually leads to increased work output and consequently higher profitability.

Being unbiased, non-gossiping, and supportive of your employees going through personal challenges always works out for your organization. None of these are legal liabilities, but are still good HR practices. However, do keep an eye open for the abuse of your leniency. I have seen people take their employers for granted when they are going through personal challenges. You need to be polite but firm and let people know the limits of the supportive rope.

Cheers.

Dear Mousomi,

Could you please advise which country you are from? In South Africa, if an employee is to attend a court hearing, the employee is to be granted leave.

Another thing to keep in mind is the interpersonal relationship between the organization and the employee. Is the employee a great asset to the company? Providing support during difficult personal trials can be a huge motivator for employees.

Thanks,
Clare
solocal.bhm@gmail.com