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Manager's Guide: Coping with Loss in the Workplace

Posted by Yasmin Parsloe on Monday Sep 8, 2014 11:42 am


Today marks the 13th anniversary of 9/11/2001, a day marked by terror and grief. Coping with a loss in the workplace often impacts other employees and during this hard time, managers need to take the right steps to help their coworkers recover. 

Here are just a few short tips on how to maintain order following a loss: 

  1. Stay in charge. Researchers at Duke University recommend managers acknowledge a loss in the workplace and take charge of representing the organization’s compassion and sympathy. As a manager, it is not necessary to be outspoken or say anything profound, instead, just offering assistance, and a token of your condolences can make a difference. Also, consider being more present in the grieving employee’s lives during this time – making sure that they remain levelheaded while recovering.
  2. Share information as soon as you know. Supplying coworkers with knowledge after a loss of a team player is important. If you can help obtain information, you should. Also, be understanding of staff member’s time needs to attend the funeral.
  3. Ask for support from higher management. Consider extending deadlines for employees impacted by the loss. You may have to consult higher management to issue extensions but keep an open line of communication throughout your company until the environment returns to normal.
  4. Be open. Communication must be at an all time high during times of grieving. Giving people time to mourn requires a mutual understanding and teamwork is required to prevent the sad loss from negatively impacting business.
  5. Be aware of the healing value of work. While many assume grieving requires rest and quiet time alone, some people bury themselves in work to overcome losses. Don’t try to limit a person’s work unless they indicate they are overwhelmed and need a break.
  6. Be aware productivity may change. Emotions run high after a loss and often impact the rate of work or level of accuracy. You may want to communicate with a grieving employee to make sure they are overcoming their loss and able to work as normal. Do not be caught off guard if they ask for a lighter workload or time off.

Coping with a loss in the workplace is a delicate matter. As a manager, communication is key to boosting morale and lending your condolences. Don’t be afraid to take charge of your organization in offering condolences and be aware of the changes in workloads that may occur.

 

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