While addressing grief is never easy, providing appropriate support to grieving workers can positively impact both individuals and organizations, said O’Hern, who owns the Chicago-based consultancy Regime Change. Grieving employees may experience a loss of energy, have difficulty concentrating, or feel less motivated. But when these employees feel supported in difficult times, that support can increase their engagement, resilience, and loyalty to their team or organization.
How to Break the Silence Around Grief in the Workplace
SHRM | Jun 2024
Articles
Helping employees cope with the death of a colleague or co-worker is not typically covered in leadership training or employee handbooks. However, the pandemic and other public health crises have prompted many organizations to create policies that address the needs of grieving employees while still achieving business outcomes.
Helping Employees Cope with the Death of a Co-Worker
SHRM | Jun 2022
Employers have a critical role to play when an employee suffers a loss. In addition to a paid bereavement policy, there are other meaningful ways to help our employee with a loss. To be clear, we’re not trained counselors, but we care. And our actions should be guided by empathy.
When an Employee Has Lost a Loved One, What Should Employers Do to Help?
Littler | Apr 2023
Companies Are Changing Bereavement Policies in Response to Employee Needs
SHRM | Apr 2022
A Growing Benefits Trend: Time Off for Pregnancy Loss
SHRM | Apr 2023
More on Grief in the Workplace
Holidays Can Be Hard for Grieving Employees; Employers Can Offer Support
SHRM | Nov 2023
Grief at Work: How Companies Can Show They Care
NeuroLeadership Institute | Jan 2023
It's time we talk honestly about grief in the workplace
Fast Company | Oct 2022
Three Ways To Overcome The Long-Term Effects Of Grief In The Workplace
Forbes | Sep 2022
Recognizing the Many Faces of Grief in the Workplace
Spring Health | Jun 2022
Grief at Work: When the Personal Meets the Professional
Good Grief | Mar 2022
Tools
How to Create a Bereavement Policy
SHRM | Mar 2020
Bereavement Leave Policy
SHRM Sample
Brochure: Grief at Work: A Guide for Employees and Managers
Hospice Foundation of America |
Guide: Managing Grief and Loss At Work: A Guide for Employees & Managers
Pathways | Aug 2021
Books: Dealing with Grief at Work: Our Favorite Reads
Harvard Business Review | Feb 2022
Related Reading
What should we do when an employee dies?
SHRM | Nov 2022
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