I imagine that everyone who is reading this will have experienced grief at some time and will certainly know people who have. This time of the year is particularly poignant for us at Jonathan’s Voice as it was at the end of October that Jonathan McCartney, in whose name the charity was founded, took his own life. Everyone experiences grief differently and most people want to get alongside those who are grieving and offer support – this was our experience. But how? It can be particularly difficult in the workplace where there are many different and layered relationships but we know from research and experience that the death of a colleague, particularly when the death is in tragic circumstances, can have a profound impact on the organisation.
LawCare recently produced an article that addressed understanding different forms of grief and loss. It also considered the impact of grief on someone’s working life and how a grieving colleague might be supported.
A key section of the article, How to support colleagues who are struggling, is reproduced in full below
- Offer simple support: A simple “How are you doing?” or “Is there anything I can do to help?” can be comforting and shows that you care. It also gives them a chance to talk about their feelings if they want to.
- Be considerate of personal preferences: People react to workplace activities and interactions in different ways. Some might want to avoid social events or need time alone, while others might find comfort in joining in. Be aware of how certain situations or conversations might affect someone who is grieving.
- Follow up: Grief doesn’t just go away after a certain time. Keep checking in with colleagues and friends even after the initial loss. Ongoing support is important as their grief may change over time.
- Avoid assumptions: Everyone handles grief differently. Instead of guessing what someone needs or how they feel, listen carefully and ask how you can best support them.
- Encourage professional help: If someone’s grief seems like it might be turning into something more such as depression, suggest they talk to a GP or a mental health professional for extra support.
Please do read the full article here
Further support suggestions from LawCare
If you or someone you know is having a hard time with grief, extra help is available. Counselling, therapy, and support services can offer valuable assistance during difficult times. For confidential support, consider reaching out to LawCare or Cruse:
- LawCare: Call 0800 279 6888 or email support@lawcare.org.uk. Live online chat is available on LawCare’s website.
- Cruse: Call 0808 808 1677 or visit www.cruse.org.uk for more information.
We also have other resources on about grief, loss and bereavement.
Thank you to LawCare for this insightful, sensitive and very helpful article.
