by Veronica Losh

Created on: March 25, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

The best thing you can do for a coworker who is getting divorced is to be a good listener. Let them know if they need someone to talk to, you'd be happy to take them out for coffee. It is best not to discuss such deeply personal issues in the workplace. If they have confided to you personally, assure them that you will keep everything they tell you confidential. Avoid the temptation to get involved in any gossip you hear about the situation. If you are close to them, you might want to offer to help with their children or take over a prepared dinner.

If you find out about the divorce from someone else, try to find a kind and subtle way to privately let them know that you know, and that you'll be there for them. If they have confided in someone about the divorce, and that person is telling other people without their permission, they should know so they do not confide in that person again. Use your own judgment on this-you may be asked to reveal your source, and that can cause even more problems for both of you.

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