Eight Thing to Know About Your Employees in Grief

1. Understand that grief has just begun when the funeral is over and the employee returns.

2. Set an example. Your support and professionalism will set a standard that will last long after this experience.

3. Before your employee returns, ask how you can help. Questions you might ask:

• Would you like me, or someone else, to share any information with your co-workers?

• What information and details do you want others to know?

• Do you want to talk about our experience or would you prefer to concentrate on your work?

• What are your needs for time, privacy or help with work?

4. Listen carefully. The answers to these questions may change each day as emotions swirl. Keep asking. Keep listening.

5. Communicate. Do not over-task. Work with your employee to determine assignments.

6. If your employee is involved in hazardous work, consider temporarily adjusting his or her duties. Work may suffer weeks, months, even a year or more down the line.

7. Holidays and anniversaries-especially the anniversary of a loved one's death-are particularly sensitive times. Perhaps make note of pertinent dates. Consider lightening workloads, adjusting assignments or suggesting time off.

8. Expect and be sensitive to sudden sick-day or time-off requests. Grieving people have good days and bad days. Bad days are often as unpredictable to your employee as they are to you.

Sources: The American Hospice Foundation, The Compassionate Friends

 

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