Ten Things You Can Do for a Co-worker in Grief

1. Contact other co-workers to let them know the situation.

2. Attend the funeral, phone or visit your co-worker personally to extend your condolences.

3. Offer to make phone calls, drive, run errands.

4. When your co-worker returns to work, acknowledge his or her loss and grief. Don't Wait for the right thing to say. The wrong thing is to say nothing.

5. Personalize what you say. "I remember how much I loved my brother. I'm so sorry about Ed's death." Shared feelings communicate more than good advice. But avoid judgments such as, "You should... You shouldn't...," or cliches such as, "It was God's will," "You'll get over it in time" or "I know how you feel." Don't minimize or assume you comprehend the complexities or depth of another's loss.

6. If you're able, offer to share the person's work load. Sometimes the smallest gesture lightens the load.

7. Be there. Listen. Let your co-worker express their pain, anger, disbelief or guilt. Let them tell their story over and over.

8. After weeks or months have passed, don't be afraid to bring up the deceased. Chances are they are thinking of nothing else. Talking about their loved one in positive ways helps celebrate their life.

9. Remember your co-worker on special days, such as holidays, birthdays or the anniversary of the loved one's death. Maybe send a card saying you're thinking of them or one that recounts a positive story of their loved one.

10. Touch communicates a great deal. If you're comfortable and it's appropriate and Welcomed, a hug doesn't hurt.

Sources: The American Hospice Foundation, The Compassionate Friends

 

Home Page | About Us | Support | Education | Research | Memorials

Donate | Cribs for Kids | Buckle 'em Up | Fundraising | SIDS Links

Search Site | Site Map

 

©2006 S.I.D.S. of Pennsylvania

Suite 250 Riverfront Place - 810 River Avenue - Pittsburgh, PA 15212  

412-322-5680 or 800-PA1-SIDS (800-721-7437)

 

Legal Disclaimer

 

webmaster@sids-pa.org