Divorce remains one of the most stressful life events an individual can experience, and its effects extend far beyond personal life. The emotional, cognitive, and social consequences often have a direct impact on professional performance, productivity, and workplace well-being.
Yet, only a small number of organisations have established structured support systems to accompany employees through this life transition. In both Spain and the United Kingdom, millions of working-age adults experience divorce each year, making this not only a personal challenge but also a relevant economic and social issue.
Blog post written by Chamber Member, Inma González, Pedagogue and Coach specialised in Separation and Divorce
Divorce in Numbers: Spain and the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that around 42% of marriages in England and Wales will end in divorce, based on cohort projections using 2010 data (ONS, Divorces in England and Wales, 2017).
In Spain, the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) recorded 82,991 divorces in 2024, equivalent to 1.8 marital dissolutions per 1,000 inhabitants (INE, Estadística de Nulidades, Separaciones y Divorcios, 2024).
Although Spain does not publish a cumulative percentage, independent demographic research from the Observatorio Demográfico CEU suggests that approximately 50% of Spanish marriages may end in separation or divorce over a lifetime.
These figures demonstrate the scale of the phenomenon and its ripple effects across the workforce, with thousands of employees experiencing emotional upheaval that can affect concentration, motivation, and decision-making.
Divorce and Workplace Productivity
Research consistently shows a clear connection between divorce and decreased productivity.
A joint study by Rayden Solicitors and Family Law in Partnership found that 39% of divorced employees experienced a noticeable decline in their work performance, while 10% left their jobs within the first year after separation (Rayden Solicitors, Divorce in the Workplace, 2021).
A later survey published by People Management (2023) revealed that 74% of employees going through a divorce reported feeling “less efficient” at work during the process.
Research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that more than 70% of employees experiencing divorce report a significant drop in productivity, while a third admitted to having considered leaving their jobs during or after the process.
These findings highlight the need for employers to understand divorce not merely as a private issue but as a life event that directly affects organisational health, employee engagement, and retention.
Leading British Companies Taking Action
In recent years, several UK-based organisations have taken pioneering steps to address this issue.
Major employers such as Tesco, Asda, Metro Bank, PwC, Unilever, and Vodafone have signed the Positive Parenting Alliance (PPA) pledge, committing to treat separation and divorce as a recognised “life event” within their HR policies (HR Grapevine, 2023).
These companies have implemented initiatives such as:
- Flexible working arrangements and temporary remote work options
- Short compassionate leave specifically for divorce-related circumstances
- Access to counselling and legal guidance services
- Open internal communication to reduce stigma and normalise discussion
By acknowledging divorce as a legitimate life event, these employers not only support staff well-being but also reduce absenteeism, lower turnover, and enhance productivity.
A Special Challenge for Expatriates
For expatriate professionals, such as many Spaniards living and working in the United Kingdom, divorce can be even more complex.
Distance from family, cultural differences, unfamiliar legal systems, and limited support networks often amplify emotional distress and professional disruption.
Organisations operating across borders should therefore be mindful of these unique challenges. Providing emotional support, cultural sensitivity, and flexible structures can make a significant difference in helping expatriate employees maintain both their performance and mental health during such transitions.
Conclusion and Invitation
Divorce is not solely a private matter; it is a human and economic reality with tangible implications for organisations.
In both Spain and the United Kingdom, forward-thinking companies are beginning to recognise that investing in employee well-being during major life changes is not only compassionate, it’s strategic.
Policies that acknowledge and support employees through divorce can foster resilience, loyalty, and long-term engagement. Organisations that evolve towards a more empathetic and evidence-based management approach are better prepared to build sustainable, healthy workplaces.
If your organisation would like to explore how to implement emotional and well-being support for employees navigating separation or divorce, our Member, Inma González, would be delighted to meet with your team and share her expertise in designing human-centred strategies that strengthen both people and businesses.
About the Author
Inma González is a pedagogue and coach specialised in separation and divorce. She works with individuals and organisations to transform the experience of separation into an opportunity for growth and emotional recovery. She is the creator of the award-winning podcast “Cómo recuperarse de una separación o divorcio”, recognised at the Latin Podcast Awards 2023 and 2024 and downloaded in more than 80 countries.
