This archive report was first published on 16 August 2021.
Supporting Staff Through Grief ¶
Published on August 16, 2021
Supporting staff going through a stressful life event is a challenge all bosses will face, one that requires navigating the fine line between being compassionate and supportive while staying professional and keeping the company productive.
Any company, big or small, should include in their business planning the risk that a senior executive could pass away. This includes having a trusted and capable reportee working closely with the senior executive so that, in the event of the senior executive being taken ill by COVID-19 or even passing away, the business can carry on without interruption.
When tragedy strikes within the team, it's essential to put a forum in place for staff to express their feelings. This could be via an internal digital platform or a social media page that offers closed memberships. Staff should be encouraged to post how they feel about the death, offer their condolences, and express their fears.
HR personnel or departments may need to have mental health counsellors available to assist staff members struggling with the news of the death. This should be offered free of charge to staff and in a confidential manner.
Effective communication is key in times of grief. Keep up a constant flow of communication to staff and other stakeholders, and be prepared for employee bereavement. People feel numbed when a death happens and they want to hear how others are feeling. They want news about the family and even about what the individual had done in his/her life.
Use the company's LinkedIn page to announce the passing of the person, and encourage other people to post their feelings about the person.
Practical arrangements, such as finding delivery addresses for people to send flowers or other tokens for the family, and allowing staff members and other stakeholders to participate in a memorial service or funeral, can also be helpful.
Communication from the highest source is critical to assure staff that their jobs are safe and that the business is continuing to operate. As soon as possible, advise staff about any changes in reporting lines and who the person is who will take on the deceased person's work responsibilities, whether in a temporary or permanent capacity.
Being a supportive manager is one of the most valuable things you can do right now. The pandemic has had a tremendous effect on people's mental wellbeing, with a global study of employees finding the mental health of almost 42% of respondents had declined since the outbreak began.
When an employee loses a loved one, your support will be invaluable. Make contact with your bereaved employee as soon as possible, and offer your condolences. Listen, and expect sadness and tears. Be as flexible as you can in allowing them time and space to deal with their grief.
Ways to show support include sending flowers, ordering pre-made meals online, and booking a home servicer to help around the house for a few hours or the day.
As a manager, it's essential to be flexible and generous in helping your staff thrive during these unprecedented times. Build good relationships with team members, so that you know them well enough to recognise any warning signs that they're struggling. Encourage them to talk to you.
