Guides

During the hectic and emotional time surrounding the death of a loved one, people are often feel overwhelmed by the many tasks and decisions that must be made concerning the funeral and burial. Taking care of details at a business or workplace may not even come to mind. These first steps in handling things with your employer will allow the workplace to be supportive during the difficult first days following the loss.

Knowing what to say, how to act and what to send when loss occurs in the workplace can be extremely challenging.   

As a result, it is most probable that a coworker’s death can be as difficult to cope with as a close family member. This is especially true if this person were particularly close to you, or if you shared a close space within the workplace.

When a coworker experiences the death of a close loved one, other colleagues may feel helpless and unsure of how to best help. Are there words that can be said? Should certain things be done? Is there anything that you can do to ease the pain during this difficult time?

Loss is a part of the life experience, but the resulting grief often affects productivity at the workplace. Taking time away from work following a loss is good for both the employer and employee.

When an employee experiences the death of a family member or close friend, the natural reaction of the supervisor is to want to back away and give the employee time to grieve. But it is vital that the supervisor show leadership and continue to manage employees during a time of grief.

When the death occurs because of a purposeful act of violence, the very foundations of routine and security are left in shambles. The individuals left not only mourn the loss, but wrestle with attempts to explain the “Why” of the circumstance. Why would someone do this? Why did it happen to this person? Why am I still alive? There is a very real loss of safety and well-being.

Many companies and respective employees are taking precautions and preventative measures to curb violence in the workplace and properly respond in the event that an act of violence is committed. Workplace violence can have a detrimental effect on a business, from management and employees to public perception and sales.

Times of grief can be especially difficult for employees to manage. Helping people through the process of grief can be formidable. More and more companies are responding to the statistics by providing resources and programs for grieving for their employees.

Thinking ahead will make returning to work easier for you and everyone. Healing from the death of a loved one is a slow process, but getting back to the routine of work is an incredibly important step.