Do you talk to your staff?
Please don't feel offended when I ask you this question straight out. Most people who care about their staff, who care about providing a work environment that is nurturing and caring, would answer this question with a resounding "YES!".
But when it comes to bereavement leave, and the affected staff member returns to work, nobody knows what to say, or how to act. Most people feel extremely uncomfortable, and therefore often avoid the person - or revert back to the learned line "My Condolences!"
Please hear me out, this will help you how to address grief - a topic nobody wants to talk about, especially not at work!
Here's the surprising truth: Many people find that work is there only place of normality left after their person died! I have spoken to a lot of my previous clients, as I wanted their honest feedback on what was most important to them at work - here's what they shared with me:
- For me, work was a place I could go and have a bit of normalcy - be my “old self”
- Talk to me in the same way we talked before my situation changed
- Initially, it’s ok to tell me you’re sorry I’m going through this… and regardless of how they feel, your work colleagues need to say something, not ignore you.
In a nutshell: acknowledge the elephant in the room, don't tiptoe around it, say something, don't avoid the person - don't treat them like they've got an infectious disease!!
How would you like Thriving Teams in Tough Times?
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I'd love to share a bit more about my workshop - especially designed to address a topic in the workspace that nobody wants to talk about; to make bereavement not the disrupter, but an opportunity for your team!
Here are the objectives and inclusions in short:
Your team will be equipped with language to use, tools to implement, and quite often leave with a stronger sense of connection!
Let's talk about it - it will make everyone feel more at ease. Click here to book a chat !
I am with you.
Marie
Learning Specialist ★ Helping Individuals To Break Free From The Barriers Holding Them Back
1 个月Thank you, Marie, for addressing such a delicate yet important topic. I completely agree with your perspective on how workplaces should handle bereavement. Acknowledging grief instead of avoiding it can make a tremendous difference for the person going through loss and great leaders are those that know how to care for one another, especially in moments of vulnerability.
Empowering Successful Professionals, Business Owners, and Executives to unlock their full potential, enhance productivity, and boost profitability by eliminating Burnout and Psychological Stress.
1 个月Your straightforward question strikes at the heart of what true leadership should embody. Those who genuinely care about their team and foster a nurturing and supportive environment naturally respond with an emphatic 'YES!' because they understand that people are the cornerstone of any successful organization. This question brilliantly underscores the importance of compassion in leadership—those who prioritize the well-being of their staff instinctively know the value of creating a caring work environment.