Grief is a natural and overwhelming emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their life. Coping with the loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult and emotional process that requires time and support. While the grieving process is different for everyone, studies show that bereavement leave is an essential factor in managing grief. However, in the United States, the limited availability of bereavement leave has made it challenging for employees to take the time they need off to grieve properly.
Limited availability of bereavement leave in America hinders the grieving process
The United States has no federal laws that mandate bereavement leave for employees. While two states, Oregon and California, have local laws that require employers to provide time off for bereavement, other states have no such laws. Hence, employees in states without these laws must rely on their employers to offer bereavement leave voluntarily.
According to research by the Society for Human Resource Management, employers in other states offer an average of three to five days of bereavement leave. However, this is not enough time for employees to go through the grieving process properly. Grief can last for weeks, months, or even years, and employers providing only a few days of leave may leave their employees feeling unsupported and overwhelmed.
The Importance of Empathy in the Workplace
Recent studies have shown that empathy is vital in the workplace. According to data from BetterUp, 88% of companies offer paid bereavement leave. However, empathy goes beyond just offering time off. Employers can provide more comprehensive support that helps employees manage their grief, such as counseling services, support groups, and flexible working arrangements.
Workplace empathy promotes employee retention
Empathy isn’t just a box-ticking exercise for employers; it should permeate throughout the entire culture. Research shows that workplace empathy promotes employee retention. According to BusinessSolver’s 2021 ‘State of Workplace Empathy’ annual study, 92% of employees say they are more likely to stay with an empathetic employer. This is a sign that employees value workplaces that genuinely care about their well-being, including their emotional and mental health.
Employees are willing to work longer hours for empathetic employers
Moreover, almost 75% of employees are willing to work longer hours for an empathetic employer. This is a significant statistic as it reveals not only how strongly employees feel about having empathetic employers but also how much they value feeling seen, heard, and supported. Organizations that prioritize their employees’ well-being can benefit from increased employee engagement, productivity, and loyalty.
The impact of grief in the workplace
According to experts like Dr. Manjak, a clinical psychologist and author, the impact of grief in the workplace can occur at the individual, departmental, and organizational levels. When one employee is grieving, it can affect the entire workplace. Common signs of grief in the workplace include fatigue, lack of concentration, and decreased productivity. This affects not only the employee’s well-being but also the workplace’s performance.
Providing support to those grieving.
To provide more support to employees who are grieving, employers must be willing to offer time off and support networks. Many employers also provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that offer professional counselling services to employees and their family members. EAP programs can benefit employees struggling with grief by providing a safe and supportive outlet for processing their emotions.
Investing in Essential Grief-Led Benefits
Manjak also advises employers to invest in other essential grief-related benefits like professional counselling and support group programs. Employers must recognize that their employees are more than just workers; they are individuals with emotional needs. By offering these programs, employers can help their employees manage their grief, and return to work with greater resilience and mental clarity.
In conclusion, grief is a natural part of life that everyone must go through at some point. However, how employers handle grief can have a significant impact on their employees’ well-being and the workplace’s overall productivity. By offering generous bereavement leave, counselling services, support groups, and flexible working arrangements, employers can create a culture of empathy and support that fosters employee well-being. Ultimately, organizations that prioritize their employees’ well-being will see an increase in productivity, loyalty and success.