Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors’ Post

During Grief Awareness Week, let’s talk about meaningful ways to support someone in your workplace who is grieving the death of a loved one. Whether it’s a coworker or someone you manage, these actions can make a real difference. 1. Advocate for Bereavement Leave Many workplaces don’t offer formal bereavement leave, leaving grieving employees to use vacation or sick time—or no time off at all. If you’re in a position to influence policy, advocate for bereavement leave as a basic standard of support. If no formal leave exists, encourage flexibility in scheduling to help ease their burden. 2. Understand Their Needs Ask privately and with empathy: “What would be most helpful for you right now?” They may need a lighter workload, help with deadlines, or simply space to process their loss. 3. Be a Point of Stability Offer to step in on tasks, meetings, or deadlines where you can. Reducing their immediate responsibilities can give them the time and space to grieve without added stress. 4. Don’t Force Them to Share Respect their privacy. Let them decide how much or how little they want to discuss their loss. Sometimes, just knowing someone is available to listen is enough. 5. Check-In Thoughtfully Grief doesn’t have a timeline. Weeks or months later, a private check-in like “How are you managing?” shows you care without putting pressure on them. 6. Encourage Team Sensitivity If appropriate, let the team know about the loss in a way that respects privacy. Suggest ways to help, like taking over small tasks, extending deadlines, or simply being mindful of their situation. 7. Model Empathy Your actions set the tone, whether you’re a leader or a peer. Patience, kindness, and genuine care can create a workplace culture where grieving coworkers feel supported. Grief doesn’t end after a few days off. Whether or not your workplace offers bereavement leave, ongoing empathy and flexibility can make a difference for someone navigating loss.