Special Edition: Grief and Compassion in the Workplace

In this special edition, we focus on one of the most profound challenges employees and organizations face: navigating grief in the workplace.

Grief is universal, yet deeply personal. It doesn’t adhere to timelines or office policies, and it often surfaces in unexpected ways. Whether it stems from the sudden loss of a loved one, a senseless tragedy, or a personal upheaval, grief accompanies us wherever we go—including work.

In this issue, we explore how workplaces can become spaces where grief is not only acknowledged but supported with empathy, compassion, and actionable care. By addressing grief thoughtfully, we can create workplaces that honor the whole person behind the work and foster deeper connections between colleagues.

The Human Element of Grief

Tragic events, such as the sudden loss of a loved one, are stark reminders of life’s fragility. When employees experience loss, they often face not only the weight of their grief but also the challenge of balancing it with professional responsibilities.

Grief is a natural response to loss, and its presence in the workplace can significantly affect employee well-being and productivity. Unacknowledged grief may lead to decreased performance, absenteeism, and emotional distress. Conversely, supportive workplace environments can facilitate healing and maintain morale.

Grief will touch us all at some point in our lives. If we cannot be vulnerable enough to learn how to support others through their loss now, we risk creating environments where those around us may not develop the comfort or skills to support us later. This is not just about responding to others’ pain—it’s an opportunity to make grief and support a normal part of workplace conversation, fostering mutual care and understanding.

Research shows that workplaces with compassionate policies and supportive cultures report higher employee loyalty, morale, and overall well-being. By taking steps now to normalize these conversations, we create a foundation for workplaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported in times of loss.

The Case for Compassionate Workplaces

Grief is not just a personal issue—it’s a workplace reality. The more we acknowledge and address it, the more we foster connection, loyalty, and resilience within teams.

Why it Matters

• Human Connection: Employees who feel supported are more likely to remain loyal and engaged.
• Productivity: Addressing grief openly allows employees to focus on healing rather than hiding their emotions.
• Culture: Compassionate workplaces foster inclusivity and equity, recognizing that everyone processes loss differently.

Practical Ways to Support Grieving Employees

1. Create Flexible Policies

• Offer extended or flexible bereavement leave, recognizing that grief doesn’t follow a set timeline.
• Accommodate broader definitions of ‘loved ones,’ acknowledging that significant relationships extend beyond immediate family.
• Provide flexible options like remote work, additional leave, or reduced hours as employees navigate their emotions.

2. Equip Leaders with Tools

• Train managers on how to support grieving employees with sensitivity and compassion.
• Encourage managers to check in periodically, without pressuring employees to share if they’re not ready.
• Implement peer-led debriefing sessions to offer communal support, allowing employees to share experiences and coping strategies.

3. Normalize Grief Resources

• Ensure grief counseling is accessible through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
• Share educational materials, such as guides from the American Psychological Association, on managing grief.
• Recommend Memento Mori: The Art of Contemplating Death to Live a Better Life by Joanna Ebenstein, which fosters open and transformative conversations about loss and death.

4. Foster a Supportive Culture

• Encourage colleagues to show support in meaningful ways, such as listening, offering kind gestures, or simply being present.
• Create safe spaces where employees feel comfortable expressing—or not expressing—their grief.
• Pair grieving employees with a peer or mentor who can offer informal support.

Mindful Communication in Grief

What to Say

• “I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m here if you want to talk.”
• “This must be such a difficult time. Please let me know how I can support you.”
• “What are you comfortable sharing?”

What to Avoid

• “Everything happens for a reason.”
• “At least they lived a good life.”
• “They’re in a better place.”

Key Tip: Listen without judgment. Let the grieving person guide the conversation. Remaining open to a colleague’s experience—even when it’s uncomfortable—can deepen your understanding of grief and compassion.

Bridging Grief and Work: Resources for Reflection and Growth

Book Recommendation

Memento Mori by Joanna Ebenstein—A transformative exploration of death’s cultural significance and how to approach it with openness and curiosity.

Online Support Groups

• GriefShare (griefshare.org)
• Modern Loss (modernloss.com)

Articles on Workplace Grief

• “Helping Your Team Heal” by David Kessler (Harvard Business Review)
• “Respecting and Supporting Grief at Work” (Marie Curie)
• Tools from the American Psychological Association (apa.org)

LinkedIn Contributors in Discussions of Loss and Grief

• Lou Hynes - The Grief Guru
• Dr Nikki Paul
• Margaret Dennis
• Daddy Blackbird Communications
• Karen Sibal

As we continue to navigate a world where tragic events are all too frequent, let’s commit to creating workplaces where employees feel valued and supported in every facet of their lives.

A Call for Reflection and Action

As we continue to navigate a world where tragic events are all too frequent, let’s commit to creating workplaces where employees feel valued and supported in every facet of their lives.

Your Voice Matters

• Employees: What support have you received—or wished for—during times of grief?
• Leaders: How has your organization implemented policies to address grief?
• Everyone: How can we normalize conversations about loss without discomfort or stigma?

Please share your insights or longer contributions via direct message. Selected responses may be featured in future issues (with permission).

Looking Ahead

In future issues, we’ll explore the role of storytelling in fostering connection—how sharing narratives can deepen understanding and build bridges across teams. We’ll also examine the superpowers of highly sensitive people in the workplace.

Let’s continue to create workplaces that honor not only the work we do but the worth we hold as individuals.

Warm regards,

Brenda F.

Author, Advocate for Connection, and Candidate

References

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Tools for coping with grief. Read here.

Ebenstein, J. (2024). Memento Mori: The Art of Contemplating Death to Live a Better Life. New York: Tarcher Perigee. Joanna Ebenstein

Jarvis, M. R. (2023). The consequences of unacknowledged grief in the workplace. MIT Sloan Management Review. Read here

Kessler, D. (2020). Helping your team heal. Harvard Business Review. Read here

Marie Curie. (2021). Respecting and supporting grief at work. Read here

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