In your life you’re bound to experience grief. People or pets will pass away, and despite how you feel, you will eventually have to go back to work. Dealing with grief in the workplace is difficult for employees and business leaders alike. Here are some tips to make it easier for yourself and your employees to deal with grief in the workplace:
Look for Help
For You: You don’t have to grieve alone at work. Reach out to HR or any superiors and ask for temporary accommodations. This will make it easier for you to readjust to your schedule to fit your needs.
For Employees: Be willing to temporarily adjust schedules and processes for grieving employees. Look at the programs you have in place to help grieving employees and see if there are any changes that need to be made. If you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provide the information to employees, so they can easily access professional support if they choose.
Have a Private Area
For You: When dealing with grief, you may have times when you’re overcome with emotions. Having a private place to go, even at work, can help you comfortably cope with any emotions that come up.
For Employees: Employees who are dealing with grief should have the same access to a comfortable, private area. Make it clear that while employees don’t have to use the private area during work, it is always open to those dealing with grief.
Recognize and Show Support
For You: Recognizing that there are people supporting you through your grief can help you to know that others care about you. But you don’t have to allow your company to reach out in a way that makes you uncomfortable. Clearly articulate what you want and don’t want during this hard time to a supervisor or HR.
For Employees: There are many ways to show your support to grieving individuals. Companies can send flowers or gifts, offer their condolences in person, write kind cards, or attend the funeral to show support to the individual. Try to show company support to grievers in whichever way is most comfortable for them.
Working through grief is a difficult process that takes time, effort, and care. Use or share this advice the next time you encounter grief in your workplace.