HRM CHRONICLES
Domestic Violence : Is It A Workplace Issue ?
By Samson Osero
On a recent Saturday afternoon I arrived late at Kitengela Meat Base for our monthly catch up meeting with Angela and Daudi . My old friends had already ordered their favorite drinks and were animatedly conversing about the government ’ s de-masking directive .
After settling down , I asked them : “ Did the Health Minister address the issue of domestic violence which had reportedly increased during the lockdowns ?” Daudi , who was visibly surprised , retorted : “ That would amount to government interference on family matters .” Instead of arguing with Daudi , Angela narrated a story of a driver at her company who had been battered by his wife . The driver was admitted at a local Level 4 Hospital with serious injuries .
Although the company transport supervisor reallocated the driver ’ s work , he was unmoved with the information . He was heard mumbling : “ The world has turned upside down . How can a man be beaten by his wife .” Later the same supervisor confronted Angela wondering whether or not domestic violence was a matter to be addressed at the workplace . He categorically said : “ Domestic violence should be a police matter . Since the fight did not occur at our company premises , should HR intervene ?”
Violence Ropes
Angela , who had become unhappy with the supervisor ’ s negative attitude towards domestic violence , told us : “ I seized the opportunity to lecture him on the subject . I pointed out that domestic violence can be perpetrated by either gender in a marriage or ‘ come we stay ’ relationship . Its occurrence has farreaching implications beyond the household . It ropes in neighbors , law enforcement officers and the workplace of the perpetrator or the victim .” She further informed the supervisor that in the absence of the victim driver , another driver assumed his duties . Part of the hospital bill was a cost to the company .
Angela told us that the supervisor interrupted her lecturer and inquired whether the company was bent on interfering with domestic matters of its employees . He gave the example of someone from the company going to separate an employee who is fighting with his or her spouse at home . Angela reiterated to the supervisor : “ Although it was domestic violence , it involved a company employee . A responsible employer does not
“ Domestic violence can be perpetrated by either gender in a marriage or ‘ come we stay ’ relationship . Its occurrence has farreaching implications beyond the household . It ropes in neighbors , law enforcement officers and the workplace of the perpetrator or the victim .” condone either domestic or workplace violence . Any form of violence that affects one of its workers is a matter of concern .”
She pointed out that domestic violence would cause absenteeism , poor work performance and reduction in productivity . The supervisor complained that the company might go out of bounds to interfere with its employees ’ privacy and possibly coin offences that are not work-related .
Rising Cases
I interrupted Angela : “ Although statistics of domestic violence cases have not been publicly reported in the corporate sector , many employees suffer from its deplorable acts . Serious cases are sometimes reported to HR and law enforcement authorities .” I expressed my concern over rising cases in society which obviously spillover to the workplace . If left untamed , the trend would adversely affect business operations and massively slash down productivity .
Daudi , who was listening attentively asked Angela : “ What ’ s your company doing to mitigate domestic violence ?” Angela replied : “ First , we have created domestic violence awareness in our workforce . Employees know that domestic violence can be physical , sexual , psychological or economic . We have developed social programmes for combating it both at home and when it is reported at our company .”
When Daudi heard the word home , he confessed of occasional differences with his spouse . However , they had not engaged in any form of violence . They always restrained themselves for the sake of their children .
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