Widows In The Workplace

I launched my coaching practice working with widows in the workplace after losing my husband suddenly. After his death, I had to mobilize instantly to run the business my husband had founded, take care of my girls, and accept a new life. I know I’m not the only one and I want to help as many widows as I can. My goal is to provide widows with the tools and support to confidently move forward personally and professionally rebuilding a life you love. I’m currently accepting new clients. If you are a widow or you know a widow, please have them schedule a free moving forward session using the link in the comments. #widowsintheworkplace #griefjourney #lossofalovedone #grief #griefandloss

Navigating grief in the workplace is challenging, but every bereaved employee—whether a widow, widower or someone coping with other losses—deserves the support they need. Empowering yourself through advocacy and effective emotional management can pave the way for healing and professional growth. Here are some strategies to help you take charge: ?? Advocate for Your Needs: Openly communicate with managers or HR about accommodations that can help you balance work and healing. Your voice matters—use it to educate your team on how grief impacts you and what support you require. ?? Set Boundaries and Practice Self-Care: Identify emotional triggers in your work environment and develop coping strategies, such as mindfulness techniques or scheduled breaks. Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for maintaining your well-being. ?? Build a Support Network: Connect with peer groups, employee resource groups or community networks that understand your journey. A strong support system can offer practical advice and the emotional encouragement you need. ?? Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services and other mental health resources your organization provides. Knowledge of your company’s bereavement policies can also empower you to advocate effectively. Remember, advocating for your emotional and professional needs is a powerful step toward not only your personal healing but also a more supportive workplace culture. How have you or your organization empowered bereaved employees? Share your insights and strategies below. #Advocacy #Bereavement #GriefSupport #WorkplaceWellbeing #HR

Curious to learn more? Watch full video here: https://lnkd.in/g-DhcXdv

I often get asked, “How can managers show genuine empathy for grieving employees without stepping into therapist territory?” The answer lies in balancing compassionate support with professional boundaries. Here are some practical ways for managers to provide empathy while keeping their role clear: ?? Listen Actively: Give your team space to share their feelings. Sometimes, simply acknowledging their emotions can be incredibly healing. ?? Set Clear Boundaries: Remember, you’re a supportive leader—not a therapist. Offer understanding, but know when to direct employees to professional resources like EAPs or counseling. ?? Foster a Compassionate Culture: Create an environment where grieving is recognized as a natural response to loss. Encourage open dialogue and mutual support among colleagues. ?? Provide Resources: Make sure employees know where to turn for help. Share information about counseling services, mental health resources and other professional support systems. ?? Lead with Empathy: Demonstrate care through regular check-ins and by modeling healthy coping strategies. Your empathetic approach can set the tone for a supportive workplace. By taking these steps, managers can create a workplace that honors personal grief while maintaining the professional boundaries essential for long-term organizational health. How have you balanced empathy with professional boundaries in your team? Share your insights below. #Empathy #GriefSupport #WorkplaceWellbeing #EmotionalIntelligence #HR

Were you able to attend our recent livestream? Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but what if it didn’t have to be? Join me for a fascinating conversation with Lisa Pahl, co-creator of The Death Deck and End of Life Deck, as we explore how these innovative tools spark meaningful (and even playful) discussions about death, dying, and end-of-life planning. Lisa shares insights from her work in hospice and emergency medicine, revealing why normalizing these conversations—before a crisis—can be life-changing. We’ll also dive into how these decks can be used in workplaces to foster 'death literacy' and support employees navigating loss. Don’t miss this engaging and insightful LinkedIn Live—because talking about death just might help you live better. Learn more about the work I do with Widows in the Workplace and the Grief Company: https://lnkd.in/gQbikRPR Watch full interview here: https://lnkd.in/g-DhcXdv

Come join me and other widows in the workplace for my monthly FREE Widow Coaching & Community Zoom Session on Wednesday, March 19, at noon OR at 6:00 p.m. CST. This month’s topic is “Rebuilding Self-Confidence: Embracing Your Strengths After Loss.” Losing a spouse can shake your sense of identity and confidence, leaving you wondering who you are without them. We’ll explore how to rebuild self-confidence, recognize your inner strength and step into this next chapter with renewed assurance. You’ll gain practical strategies to silence self-doubt, embrace your resilience and move forward with courage. Join us for a supportive conversation designed to help you reclaim your confidence and trust yourself again. This is a free group coaching call for widows who are also working. Widows in the Workplace is all about supporting accomplished women like yourself who now find themselves widowed. We work on getting you back on track in a way that honors your past and embraces your future. Come with any question you may have. Nothing is off limits. I am here to support you. Click the link in the first comment to register for the call. #widow #widowcoach #widowsintheworkplace #griefsupport #grief

Mary-Frances O’Connor is a leading neuroscientist and clinical psychologist at the University of Arizona, with 25 years of research into how grief impacts our bodies. In her new book, The Grieving Body: How the Stress of Loss Can Be an Opportunity for Healing, she shares five key insights to help us transform loss into an opportunity for healing: Grief Is Both Emotional and Physical ????: Grief isn’t a disease—it’s a natural state affecting both mind and body, triggering shifts in blood pressure, heart rate, sleep and appetite. A Broken Heart Is Real ??: Bereavement can lead to serious cardiovascular risks. Studies reveal that those experiencing loss face significantly higher rates of heart attack and stroke, with widowers nearly doubling their risk in the first few months. This evidence shows that the pain of loss goes beyond emotion—it literally impacts our heart health. Time for a Health Check-Up ??: Elevated stress hormones and inflammation during bereavement make regular medical check-ups essential for catching potential health issues early. Protest and Despair: Natural Yet Complex Responses ??????: Grief often manifests as a mix of protest—a frantic, sometimes angry response—and despair, which can lead to withdrawal. Recognizing these responses helps us develop healthier coping strategies. Honor the Body’s Response to Loss ??: By listening to our body’s signals during grief, we can learn to care for ourselves better, paving the way for meaningful healing. If you or someone you know is navigating loss, now is the time to be proactive about your well-being. Prioritize your health, lean on your support network, and share your journey. Let’s foster a community where we transform grief into an opportunity for healing. Together, we can support each other through life’s toughest moments. #GriefSupport #MentalHealth #Neuroscience #Healing #TheGrievingBody

I often receive calls from company leaders grappling with the loss of a key employee—a moment that brings both operational and emotional challenges into sharp focus. Losing a vital team member isn’t just a staffing issue; it’s a turning point that impacts morale, productivity and the company’s future direction. Here are some high-level considerations for leaders during these trying times: ?? Operational Continuity: Assess how the loss will affect current projects and daily operations. Who will step in to fill the gap, and how can you ensure a smooth transition? ?? Team Morale & Communication: Recognize that the loss resonates deeply with your team. Open, empathetic communication and timely support are critical to help everyone navigate their grief. ?? Succession Planning: Evaluate the long-term impact on leadership roles and responsibilities. A robust succession plan can mitigate disruptions and ensure stability. ?? Legal & Compliance: Don’t overlook contractual, legal or compliance issues that might arise during this transition. ?? Emotional Well-being: Provide support resources, such as employee assistance programs and counseling services, to address the emotional toll on your team. At The Grief Company, we’re here to offer support when you need it most. However, our experience shows that proactive planning is key. By thinking through these considerations ahead of time, you can prepare your organization to handle such situations with sensitivity and confidence, rather than being caught in a reactive mode. Let’s work together to build a resilient, prepared workplace that cares for its people, even in the toughest moments. #Leadership #GriefSupport #EmployeeWellbeing #ProactivePlanning #HR

Curious to learn more? Watch full video here: https://buff.ly/4hSjySK

Did you miss our recent, insightful LinkedIn Live? Watch the replay now. I welcomed Jennifer O’Brien, death literacy advocate, to discuss the profound challenges and rewards of caregiving, grief, and navigating life’s toughest transitions. Drawing from her personal experiences as a caregiver and widow, Jennifer shared how caregiving is both a leadership role and a labor of love, often unrecognized yet deeply impactful. The discussion touches on practical tools and strategies for caregivers, including ways to manage the emotional and physical demands of caregiving while balancing professional responsibilities. Together, Jody and Jennifer reflect on the integral roles of hope and preparation in the caregiving journey, highlighting the value of self-care, creativity, and meaningful connection. Jennifer offers actionable advice for balancing caregiving, work, and grief while emphasizing the importance of embracing both resilience and vulnerability. With at least 20% of adults in the U.S. actively caregiving, this conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone managing caregiving alongside other responsibilities. It’s a must-watch for caregivers, grief advocates, and those seeking guidance on navigating life’s complexities with compassion and strength. Listen here: https://buff.ly/4bhllOL