Breaking the Silence - Addressing Grief in the Workplace

Pinelawn Memorial Park & Arboretum announces the next session of its free online Grief Workshop Series in partnership with COPE. A “Grief in the Workplace” workshop will take place on April 23, at 7 PM, via Zoom with the goal to help both employees and employers navigate the process of returning to work after loss.

The journey of grief doesn’t pause at the office door. Grieving at work can be a silent challenge for many. While most workers resume their regular schedule shortly after facing a loss, dealing with grief can last for months, even years. Employers should have a toolkit to help reduce the impact of grief on their employees who are struggling. Although employees may have their ways of dealing with grief, it is important their employers offer leave, flexibility around workload, and effective communication for those who need it most.

“There tends to be a lot of disconnect between the employee and employer when it comes to effectively communicating our needs in the workplace,” said Rashida Sanchez, the Outreach & Engagement Manager and a group facilitator at COPE. “This workshop will be able to provide everyone with the valuable tools they need to not only feel comfortable in the workplace while grieving but to also enhance mutual understanding.”

Along with emotional distress, grief is associated with increased physical symptoms, illnesses, hospitalizations, and a 40-50% increase in mortality rates. Studies also demonstrate that an absence of paid bereavement leave harms children, workers, and organizations. Sanchez’s “Grief in the Workplace” workshop aims to teach individuals how to explore the different forms grief can take, provide insightful tips, and share strategies for coping within one’s professional environment. Sanchez will also offer tips for employers on how to best communicate and comfort employees who are in the process of grieving.

"Pinelawn is privileged to collaborate with COPE to raise awareness about grief healing services and share tools that assist those on the journey through grief. It fills us with pride to be able to offer these vital workshops at no cost to those who are mourning," said Justin Locke, President of Pinelawn Memorial Park & Arboretum.

Now in its fourth year, Pinelawn’s online Grief Workshop Series was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to support those mourning the loss of loved ones, when many remained isolated in their homes. To date, Pinelawn has hosted dozens of online grief healing workshops which have assisted over 2,100 individuals coping with grief. Topics covered have included Self Healing & Resilience Building, Journaling for Life After Loss, Allowing Nature to Hold Us, Healing Through Music, and more.

To register for the “Grief in the Workplace” workshop or to learn more about Pinelawn’s upcoming events, including its ongoing Grief Workshop Series, visit www.pinelawn.com/events.