Dear HR Executive,
Many of us have a hard time dealing with death. At work, this often means bereaved employees don’t get the kind of help they need.
Here are three suggestions for dealing with grieving employees:
1. Offer a hand
People in the throes of grief can be overwhelmed by simple tasks. Ask co-workers to pick up a portion of the bereaved’s duties. Or even ask for volunteers to do chores like pick up the person’s dry cleaning.
2. Watch for warning signs
Many bereaved people “snap out of it” eventually without outside assistance. But some don’t. Have managers and co-workers watch for signs that outside help may be needed: failure to show any emotion, lapses in personal hygiene, increased absenteeism, weight loss.
3. Bring in an expert
Nobody is better trained to deal with grief than hospice personnel. Contact a local hospice if a bereaved needs professional counselling.
Helping people at times like these is both humane and good business. When the grief subsides, they'll remember that their employer cared.
Dave Clemens
Editor-in-Chief
HR Rapid Learning Center
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