When a death of an employee happens, it can have a huge impact on the workplace. If the death occurred as a result of an industrial incident, fire, murder, or similar tragic incident, workers have to deal with a range of issues in addition to shock and the loss of a workmate.
These issues generally relate to concerns about how and why the situation occurred and often result in feelings of anger, guilt, fears for personal safety and a need for someone or something to blame. If particular employees were present at the death, or involved with the tragedy, they may find it even harder to deal with.
Managers may have little or no experience in dealing with the grief of families and workmates after a tragic death. Regardless of the cause of death, it is helpful if managers:
- Send a clear, simple message of support to staff to help them acknowledge the death
- Have an ‘open door’ to staff
- Provide your organisation support services such as EAP as well as any onsite trauma support
- Contact your occupational health provider for information on any additional services they can offer
Managers may be affected too, so involving professional help can also act as a point of advice and support for them.
Staff may also be helped to deal with their grief by including them in an organised activity to acknowledge and remember their colleague, this could be taking up a collection for the family or holding a ceremony at the workplace. Others may just wish to send a personal tribute or attend the funeral. For some the best method is to continue with routine.
It can be helpful for a management plan to be in place to assist in responding effectively to an employee’s death.
Ref: WPW0070 this information was reviewed and updated August 2024.
