WORKPLACE GRIEF

Change, loss, and grief are inevitable realities for every person. After all, life happens. But, as an employer, you too must deal with the fallout.

Whether an employee is coping with organizational change, facing serious illness, or grieving the death of a loved one, the impact goes beyond that individual to affect co-workers, supervisors, and even customers.

In 2003, the Grief Recovery Institute Educational Foundation, Inc., conducted a study of the “hidden” costs of grief in America’s workplace (Grief in the Workplace). For the purposes of the study, grief was defined as “the normal and natural emotional reaction to the change or end in any familiar pattern of behavior,” and therefore included not only the death of a loved one, but issues such as financial loss, divorce, and family crisis, among others. Motivated in part following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the foundation set out to get statistical support of the high cost to America’s business community of grieving employees.

Cost vs Benefit
While the Grief Recovery Institute’s report puts the price tag of grief in the workplace in the billions of dollars annually, the costs are relatively small for an institution to have the protocol in place to communicate sensitively when an employee experiences a loss of any kind. In addition, the enhanced value of staff morale, engagement, and loyalty that is generated could create a competitive advantage for companies trying to retain good people and get the best effort from them.

People — The Real Competitive Advantage
In our highly competitive knowledge economy, a skilled and educated employee is the key that unlocks the door to organizational success. Due in large part to the retiring baby boom population, retaining qualified workers is one of the biggest challenges employers face both locally and nationally. Dealing appropriately and proactively with an employee’s emotional needs is without a doubt one way to retain a competitive advantage.

Values and Integrity —
Employee Engagement and Bottom Line Growth
The new generation of America’s workforce places great importance on an employer’s values and integrity. In order to compete, organizations must do everything possible to uphold the highest business standards. Those that provide a safe environment where workers are treated with respect will likely see increased employee satisfaction, greater productivity, and ultimately more bottom line growth. Managing sensitive situations is no longer only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.