Learn practical tips on dealing with workplace grief, supporting grieving colleagues, and navigating grief beyond bereavement. Discover the importance of open conversations, flexibility, and acknowledging different forms of grief. Explore strategies for creating a supportive workplace culture and providing emotional support in times of grief.
Managers should strike a balance between compassion and professionalism, providing open conversations about bereavement and flexibility in granting leave.
Grief can result from various losses beyond bereavement, and managers should acknowledge its presence in different contexts and provide support for a better workplace culture.
Deep dives
Supporting bereaved colleagues in the workplace
Managers need to know how to support bereaved colleagues and strike a balance between compassion and professionalism. Open conversations about the bereavement and flexibility in granting leave are crucial. Managers should be equipped with knowledge of the company's bereavement policy and resources for additional support. They should avoid using cliches and instead offer genuine condolences. Practical acts of kindness and giving space to colleagues can also be appreciated.
Grief beyond bereavement and its impact at work
Grief goes beyond bereavement and can result from various losses, such as shattered illusions, changes, and organizational closures. Managers should acknowledge the presence of grief in different contexts and provide support. The pandemic has prompted some positive changes in workplace support for grief and loss, with a focus on prioritizing employee well-being. Acknowledging grief can lead to a better workplace culture and increased employee loyalty and productivity.
Embracing emotions and fostering understanding
Emotions, including grief, should not be viewed as embarrassing or unwelcome in the workplace. It is important for managers to create a culture that allows for emotional expression and support. Understanding and flexible bosses contribute to happier employees who are more motivated to perform well. Support at work for grief and loss is essential, and resources like bereavement policies and external assistance can be valuable.
Dealing with the grief of a bereavement at work can be extremely difficult, both for the person suffering a loss, and for those around them. So how can you make life a little easier for grieving colleagues? How can you best support them while respecting their privacy? And how can you ensure bereavement-related absences don’t make life harder for other colleagues? Isabel Berwick speaks to Andy Langford, clinical director of bereavement charity Cruse for some practical tips on dealing with workplace grief. Later, she talks to Gabriella Braun, director of workplace consultancy Working Well. Gabriella explains that grief goes beyond death; we can feel grief in any number of workplace scenarios.
Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.