CSA's plain English law & policy guide
Access 2,300 support services for separated families
Staying Connected
A half day work place program helping men deal with separation
40% of marriages in Australia end in divorce.
How does this affect you as an employer?
Research has shown this translates into:- Increase in leave of absence
- Increase in workplace accidents
- Reduced productivity
- Reduced job concentration
The impact on your bottom line:
It could cost your business over $1 million each year in lost productivity for
a workforce of 1,000 employees.
Source: Based on research by Dr Graeme Russell, Macquarie
University.
Note: this does not factor in costs of work place accidents, insurance premiums
and compensation. Also does not cover "churn" of staff and the subsequent costs
of recruitment and training.
The Child Support Agency has joined with the community and business sectors in partnership to develop and deliver ‘Staying Connected’ which specifically targets separated fathers in the workplace. The Child Support Agency has trained facilitators to deliver the program in workplaces across Australia.
‘Staying Connected’ is a 3 hour program designed to be presented to groups of up to 16 separated men in the workplace covering:
- promoting help-seeking behaviour
- promoting a business-like relationship
- tips and hints for staying connected with your kids post separation
Each participant comes away with a personal workbook including many tips and hints plus the knowledge they are supported by their employer.
‘Staying Connected’ has been successfully piloted with the Australian Defence Force, Australia Post and in the community of Kalgoorlie. The results have been outstanding. Participants embrace the program and employers see the value for their business through the reduction of unplanned leave and lost productivity.
‘Staying Connected’ supports separated fathers by providing them with useful information on where to go for help, how to communicate more effectively with the other parent, and practical tips on how to stay connected with their children after separation.
For more information email us at stayingconnected@csa.gov.au
