Sep 03, 2024
The death of a loved one is something that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. Our reaction to loss — the process of grieving — is typically one of the most painful experiences we ever face.
In the acute stage of grief — which occurs in the days and months directly following a loss — people may consistently feel intensely painful emotions, have difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and lose interest in other people or normal activities.
As time goes on, most people transition to the integrated grief stage, during which the deep emotional pain and sadness begin to heal. But even though they start to get back to their normal self, feelings of grief often return. Sometimes waves of grief will occur at times when they're least expected.
About 10 percent of grieving people fail to transition from acute to integrated grief. This is called "complicated grief."
Don't underestimate your clients' ability to make a real difference for their employee who is grieving. Their support can make a positive impact on how their colleague heals, particularly in the weeks and months after they first return to work.
The University of Southern Florida offers the following advice for employers who have a grieving employee:
- Have compassion. Grief in the workplace is difficult for everyone. The grieving employee may be more emotional than normal and have bouts of sadness and irritability. This can affect morale for everyone but be patient during these emotional ups and downs. Accept these emotions as part of the natural grieving process and create a supportive office culture.
- Communicate. Talk with your employee in a safe and private space and acknowledge their loss. Answer questions about bereavement leave and the time-off policy. Set expectations at work and help put them at ease.
- Be patient. It's not fair to expect your employee to perform at the same level they did before their loss. They may be distracted, feel depressed and have trouble performing their normal work duties. Over time, the quality of their work should improve.
- Provide accommodations. If possible, allow a grieving employee to leave early or take time alone in the middle of the workday.
- Offer resources. Employee assistance programs and paid bereavement leave can be a great help during this time.
Allstate Benefits Can Help
Allstate Benefits offers flexible, convenient and cost-effective solutions that can help employees work their way through the grieving process.
Virtual counseling visits are available for members age 10 and older through Recuro Health. Licensed therapists can help with a wide range of mental and emotional health needs and provide ongoing support, on your employee's schedule, from the comfort of their home via phone and/or video visits in as little as 48 hours. Recuro Health virtual care visits are available to members at little or no cost depending on your plan selection.
Contact your Amwins Connect Regional Sales Manager today to learn more about how Allstate Benefits can help your clients and their employees.
