When the unthinkable happens, it’s essential to be there for your co-workers in their time of need. If a friend or colleague passes away, your actions can profoundly impact the grieving family. Here are some ways you can support a co-worker and help them through this challenging time.
1- Volunteer to Help Out Around the House
Ask if there are chores that need to be done or errands that need to be run. If there are children, offer to babysit so they can have time away from the house or take them out for ice cream or a movie. This will give them time with other adults who understand what they’re going through without having their children present.
If possible, try not to mention work during conversations with your colleague who has lost someone close to them because it might remind them of something they don’t want to think about. You can also visit www.sorensenfuneralhome.com if you need a team to help you make sure your funeral service is just how you envisioned it.
2- Attend the Funeral
If you can attend the funeral of someone who has died, consider it an honor and a privilege. If there is no way to be there physically, send flowers and write a note expressing your condolences and love for both parties’ families. You may also contribute by arranging a Funeral dove release during the ceremony.
You could also offer support condolences on behalf of yourself, your department, and your company by sending a sympathy card or email message. When appropriate, ask if there is anything that can be done for them at work (for example, picking up items from home). If appropriate, offer physical comfort such as hugging or holding hands during a conversation or ceremony honoring their loved one. Don’t forget phone calls as well!
3- Assist with Meals to Be Prepared or Delivered
If someone has taken on the responsibility of preparing meals for the family, assist by providing groceries, picking up items at the store, or delivering them. Offer to purchase food or deliver it without being asked to do so.
4- Listen Without Judgment
When someone is grieving, they often have many questions and concerns about events surrounding the death. It’s OK if they want to talk about it all the time, but don’t push them if they prefer not to discuss it. It may be hard for them to express these feelings first, so listen without judging or criticizing what they say or do.
You may even find that you learn some new information about your co-worker’s loved one that could help with planning the funeral service or other arrangements. Stay in touch with them after they return from bereavement leave regularly so that they know you haven’t forgotten them or their loss.
This is a topic that no one likes to talk about, but unfortunately, it is something that many people will have to face in their life. When a loved one passes away, the last thing most of us want to think about is how to support our co-workers. But often, this is a difficult time for loved ones and the people they work with. So while you may not be able to read minds or know what best to say, there are some things you can do to help ease the burden present during this trying time. In addition, if a co-worker’s family is seeking legal advice, make sure to let them know that personal injury attorneys like an auto accident or motorcycle accident lawyer can help provide expert legal assistance to them.