Supporting Employees in times of loss
The term "bereavement" refers to the period of mourning and grief that individuals experience after the death of a loved one. It is a natural and normal response to the loss of someone close, such as a family member, friend, or pet. During this time, people may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, loneliness, anger, guilt, and confusion.
The experience of bereavement is a deeply personal and emotionally challenging journey that affects individuals in all aspects of their lives, including the workplace. Grief can significantly impact an employee's well-being, productivity, and overall performance.
As an employer or colleague, it is crucial to cultivate a compassionate and supportive environment to help those navigating through the difficult process of grieving. It’s challenging enough to know what to do when a friend or family member dies, but how do we support a work colleague or employee?
Acknowledge the Loss
When an employee experiences a loss, it is vital to acknowledge their grief openly and compassionately. Even if you’ve experienced a loss yourself, everyone’s experience is different, so it’s important not to offer stories of your experience. Extend your condolences, express empathy, and reassure them that you are there to support them. Offering a listening ear and showing understanding can go a long way in providing comfort to someone who is grieving.
Create a Supportive Workplace Culture
Building a supportive workplace culture that recognizes and validates the impact of bereavement is essential. Encourage open communication and foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their emotions and needs, whatever their background, identity, religion or beliefs. Train managers and colleagues on how to handle sensitive conversations with empathy, respect, and confidentiality.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Grief can manifest in various ways and affect an individual's ability to perform optimally. Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as adjusted schedules or remote work options, to accommodate employees' needs during this challenging time. Flexibility allows employees to make arrangements, attend visitations or ceremonies, and cope with their emotional well-being without additional stress.
“52% of employed respondents said dealing with loss harmed their work performance”
Bereavement Leave and Policies
Establish clear bereavement leave policies that provide employees with the time they need to mourn their loss. While the duration of leave may vary depending on the circumstances, ensure your policies are compassionate, inclusive, and considerate of diverse family structures and relationships. Communicate these policies effectively to avoid misunderstandings and provide bereaved employees with the necessary support. In Canada, according to the Canada Labour Code, bereavement leave is 3 days paid leave after 3 months of consecutive work, with up to 5 days off in total. Consider if your company can support more time off or other options to help employees during this process, or as an added health benefit.
Employee Assistance Programs
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can be a valuable resource in times of bereavement. EAPs offer confidential counseling services, grief support, and resources to help employees navigate their grief. Consider partnering with EAP providers to ensure comprehensive support is readily available to your workforce.
Support from Colleagues
Encourage colleagues to offer support and understanding to grieving employees. Simple gestures, such as sending a thoughtful message, offering a listening ear, or organizing a meal delivery service, can make a significant difference. Create channels for colleagues to provide support, whether through group discussions or designated support networks.
Return-to-Work Support
Returning to work after a bereavement can be daunting for employees. Provide a supportive return-to-work process that allows individuals to ease back into their responsibilities gradually. Consider assigning a mentor or a buddy to help them navigate the transition and ensure they feel supported and not overwhelmed - even if they insist they’re okay.
Memorializing and Remembrance
Creating opportunities for employees to remember and honor their loved ones can be healing and supportive. Acknowledge death anniversaries and birthdays, and allow individuals to commemorate their loved ones in a meaningful way.
Conclusion
Bereavement is an inevitable part of life that impacts individuals in profound ways. As employers, managers, and colleagues, we have a responsibility to create a workplace environment that supports employees through their grieving process. By acknowledging their loss, providing flexibility, implementing supportive policies, and fostering a compassionate culture, we can ensure that employees feel understood, supported, and valued during their most challenging times.
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss further how you can support your employees or implement a policy that’s specific to your company’s needs.