Speaker & Trainer

Grief in the workplace is a challenging situation, more so now than ever. For the most part, supporting grief is generally not in our official job description. Covid-19 has been a very challenging area of grief with many complicated layers that none of us could have prepared for.  It has also brought out the importance of the topic on grief in the workplace. 

Our doctors, nurses, personal care staff in hospitals and long-term care facilities have been faced with challenges that no one seen coming. Employees are often dealing with their own grief, while trying their hardest to support colleagues, families, and staff.   Staff are becoming exhausted and burnt out. 

This is happening in our everyday workplaces too…

In more recent years, employers have become more knowledgeable about mental health and have taken a more active role in supporting the psychological needs of their employees. Although grief is not a mental illness, it is a natural reaction to loss that impacts us on so many emotional levels. This invisible roller coaster of emotions is happening right in front of us.   

Although grief has always been in our workplace, Covid-19 has made it a topic that we can no longer ignore. 

Grief can cause an overall loss in job performance and an increase in sick leave. Supporting our employees through loss is not only important for their well-being, but essential in maintaining productivity in the workplace. 

Some may think that grief is only from the death of a loved one, but it is so much more... 

Grief has the power to disrupt all aspects of one's daily life and if left unsupported, we are left with increased feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and stress. We are expected to grieve the death of a loved one, but grief shows up in divorce, family breakdown, family addictions, pet loss, trauma, job loss, financial instability, child with special needs, miscarriage, sexual assault, injury, a medical diagnosis, and more. 

Employers that ignore the reality of grief, will be faced with higher sick leave and resignations. Losing what could be highly valued and skilled employees. If grieving employees receive the support they need, they can have the opportunity to gradually return to their job.   The can result in a renewed feeling of appreciation as they navigate this difficult time. 

Most managers do not have the training or skills to help support employees through loss.  As a Certified Grief Specialist, I help people help themselves and others grow through grief. I have experienced my own growing through grief in the workplace and personally.  One thing for sure is we will all experience grief at one point or more in our lives.  

I would love to join your workspace for a ‘GRIEF Talk’.  Your employees, colleagues, and even clients will feel supported and valued, especially during these unprecedented times. 

Virtual GRIEF Talks are approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours long over Zoom, or with your own technology.  Depending on Covid-19 restrictions, I am available to train face to face with a customized workshop to meet your needs.  I am also available for one-on-one coaching. 

More information:  www.griefreliefcoaching.ca. 

Linda Marshall, TEDx Speaker, Certified Grief Specialist & Life Coach, Master ASIST Trainer (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills).

Inquiries: linda@griefreliefcoaching.ca

902-266-9206

To view my 2023 TEDx https://youtu.be/IWJH5xFvwaA