HR File: Helping staff cope with grief

As more employees return to work, now is a good time to start planning the support for those who have been bereaved during lockdown.

Employees who feel looked after by practices in their time of need will experience a much healthier return to work than those who are left to take care of themselves.

Due to prohibited work access during furlough there may not be a clear indication of who has suffered a bereavement. But identifying people who have been affected can be determined during catch-up calls, or via an email survey.

If an employee has died of coronavirus, the chances are that colleagues will not have had the chance to say goodbye. A book of condolences, or a memorial day could be created to provide that opportunity. Remember, all grief is felt at 100%, it is just the intensity of grief that is different.