Some of the worst workplace experiences reported by bereaved people are caused by them feeling ignored or avoided by colleagues. Managers or colleagues can be held back from offering a kind word by fear of saying something inappropriate or insensitive.
While that does happen, and insensitivity can be damaging, fear of it can make a situation worse. It is often better to say something simple in acknowledgement of a loss than to say nothing at all.
If you'd like to learn more about how to show support when a colleague is bereaved, check out the resources below.
What to do when a colleague has been bereaved
This leaflet gives some tips on the kind of things that a colleague can say or do to show support when someone is bereaved.
This series of five short video tutorials from Sue Ryder explore what grief is like and how you can support others who are grieving.
