How to manage a bereavement at work

Recent research finds that UK businesses are unprepared when it comes to supporting an employee going through a loss. As many PAs are tasked with HR duties, we asked Philip De Ste Croix, Head of Future Planning at Damsons, how they can support a colleague during a bereavement. Here are his suggestions.

PAs are used to taking on many roles, and more often than not this involves HR management. Among many things, this comprises the administration of employee benefits, including those that affect bereaved colleagues.

There is no easy way of dealing with this – juggling the needs of the business while looking out for the best interest of the employee is challenging. However, it’s crucial that PAs are up to speed with the company’s policies (which can often be found on an intranet platform or in the employee handbook). A policy should outline the bereavement process for an employee, including how compassionate leave and time for dependents is allocated.

Losing a loved one is challenging enough without the bereaved having to trawl through the company’s bereavement policies to see what they are entitled to, so it’s important that administration services are in place to avoid causing further stress to the employee.

As well as providing professional support, there are lots of things that you and your co-workers can do to help support your colleague through this difficult time. Examples include arranging flowers to be sent or organising food deliveries to their home.

However, before you rally together you need to ask the employee how or if they wish to communicate their loss to their colleagues. Most will welcome the support, but everyone grieves differently and may prefer some privacy.

Full-time workers can often find they spend more time with colleagues than their actual family, so support at this stage can be invaluable to the healing process. Knowing they have a job to go back to surrounded by people who understand can be a pillar of strength at this point.

Even on their return to work, a colleague may struggle emotionally and it will take a while before they are back on full form. Asking how they’re doing and offering help with their workload can make a big difference. After all, it’s in everyone’s best interest for a colleague to get back to their normal routine self.

For more information on bereavement or future planning please visit damsonsfutureplanning.co.uk