On death and grief in the workplace
Even if the death occurs in the private sphere, the grief comes into the work. It is therefore important to dedicate oneself to death and how to deal with grief in the corporate environment.
Death and mourning
Taboo topic of death: Do you talk about it?
Let's tell it like it is: Most of us feel insecure about how to deal with a person who is grieving. You know
not what to say or do for fear of doing something wrong.
or to burden the grieving person even more.
Often, however, it is precisely the working environment that is called upon to
through the emotional state of emergency.
And grief is highly individual. Some mourners are
seek the conversation on their own, others want to talk about it.
both are to be accepted. Nevertheless, grief is the most important
Workplace is not a private matter.
Duty of care demanded
If someone from the direct work environment is suddenly missing,
this can also affect the distribution of roles within a
teams or a department. Like any change
in the workplace, rules are also needed here. It is necessary if
an emergency plan, if you will. Managers here are not only organizational, but especially in their duty of care
postulated. Ideally, there is already a guideline for the implementation of the
death at work or even a company closure
agreement to do so.
Making room for grief
In most cases, there is a desire, the necessity or even the
for reasons of efficiency or productivity, quickly become the "standard"
malität". Nevertheless, it is important that the grief
has time and space and the colleagues from the
deceased person.
Bereavement Box
The trade union vida has a mourning emergency box for this case
composed. The box includes a picture frame, a
Candle and a book of condolence. There is a booklet for the latter
with ideas and suggestions. Because it often happens that collaborators
leg want to say goodbye, but the right words
lack. The book is addressed to the bereaved and is also available as a
sign and expression of appreciation.
At your side in the event of bereavement: The bereavement confidant
The trade union vida has already joined the The-
Death and mourning in the workplace are assumed. An important
Part of this is the training of grief confidants. Every year
launches a training cycle in three modules for works council
and works councils as well as staff representatives
with the "all-round consultation" – with the aim of dealing with the topic
death and mourning. There are now around 60 collaborators
who have completed the training and have
of the topic in their company.
Model company agreements and guides
In addition to the training, there is a bereavement model company
agreement and already the second edition of the guide for the
Dealing with workplace deaths.
