COMPASSION. We respond with humanity and kindness to each person’s pain, distress, anxiety or need. We search for the things we can do, however small, to give comfort and relieve suffering. We find time for those we serve and work alongside. We do not wait to be asked, because we care. (National Health Service, 2010)
When it comes to caregiving, illness and bereavement, how do we as employers and work colleagues respond when challenges occur in the lives of the people we work with? For many this can be an uncomfortable space where we do not know what to say and do. When this happens our work colleagues can increasingly feel isolated and unsupported.
How employers and coworkers respond when times are difficult can radically shift a person’s relationship to their workplace. Research has shown that caring workplace cultures can make a positive contribution by increasing morale, supporting employee retention, reducing absences and increasing productivity.
In follow up to our initial workshop we are holding a 2 hour workshop exploring Grief and Loss in the Workplace on February 21, 2024.
Grief is a normal reaction to loss and loss touches everyone at some point in time. Loss and grief are often very painful and is not something to ‘quickly get over,’ rather, we integrate the loss and grief slowly over time.
This workshop will provide you with an understanding of the various types of losses commonly encountered, but most importantly, it will provide you with the tools to support colleagues, friends and yourself. You will take away a deeper understanding of yourself and others and have useful strategies to use in a variety of ways.
