Employer Resource Group EIDA unveils guidance for establishing a company approach to combatting domestic violence in the workplace
In a significant move to address the issue of domestic abuse, the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) has launched a new Handbook, urging businesses and employers to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of their employees.
The EIDA Handbook, available on the EIDA website (www.eida.org.uk), is a comprehensive resource designed to help employers navigate the process of supporting their people who are victim-survivors of domestic abuse. Reflecting the views of survivors and case studies from employers who have already implemented a workplace response, the Handbook offers practical steps to create trauma-informed workplaces that recognize domestic abuse as a serious issue affecting employees' wellbeing.
The Handbook covers a wide range of topics, including the scope of domestic abuse, employer's legal responsibilities, how to respond to someone experiencing domestic abuse, and EIDA's four-phased approach to implementing a workplace response. The four phases involve implementing clear, supportive workplace policies, training HR and line managers, ensuring psychological safety and trauma-informed environments, providing confidential support and appropriate referrals, encouraging open communication, and taking compassionate, confident action to protect affected employees without stigma or discrimination.
Amanda McCloskey from CIS Security, a leading player in the security industry, has emphasized the need for the industry to look inward at the safety of their people and their experiences, similar to their focus on the safety of customers' buildings and occupiers. McCloskey stated that one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue.
The security industry is not alone in this endeavour. AVEVA, another industry leader, hosted the launch of the EIDA Handbook with a panel of distinguished speakers, including Susan Bright, CEO of EIDA. Bright encouraged all employers to use the Handbook to develop and embed an effective workplace domestic abuse response to support their employees.
The recent launch of EIDA's HR Charter against Domestic Abuse calls on HR professionals to demonstrate their commitment to raising awareness and fostering a workplace culture that actively supports individuals affected by domestic abuse. By joining the EIDA network, employers can access these best-practice resources and training, ensuring they are well-equipped to support their employees in the best possible way.
In summary, the EIDA Handbook is a valuable resource for employers seeking to create safe and supportive workplaces for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. By implementing the steps outlined in the Handbook, employers can help their employees navigate this difficult time with compassion and understanding, fostering a culture of respect and support.
Employers can integrate the principles of health-and-wellness into their workplaces by creating trauma-informed environments that recognize domestic abuse as a serious issue affecting employees' wellbeing, as suggested by the EIDA Handbook. This alignment with workplace-wellness, through adopting the four-phased approach proposed by EIDA, can potentially improve employees' overall health and well-being, contributing to a more productive and supportive work environment.
In the spirit of promoting health-and-wellness and understanding the impact of domestic abuse on employees, various industries, including the security industry, are encouraged to leverage the knowledge and resources provided by the EIDA Handbook, as emphasized by Amanda McCloskey from CIS Security and other distinguished speakers.
