#HRCommunity #EmployeeBenefits #Loss #Grief 😢
Hey everyone,
I know we’ve all faced tough situations in HR, but this one really hit me hard. Dealing with the loss of a young team member is never easy, especially when their family reaches out for support with benefits.
I can’t fix their broken hearts, but I can offer some suggestions on how to navigate these difficult conversations and provide support:
– Listen actively and empathetically to their needs
– Offer resources for grief counseling or support groups
– Provide guidance on the benefits process and offer assistance where possible
Remember, it’s okay to take a moment to process your emotions and take care of yourself too. We’re all in this together, and supporting each other through these tough times is crucial. Stay strong, HR fam. 💔
No advice. Just a big hug from a distance. I’m sorry. That’s a really hard situation for everyone. Take care of yourself 🩷
I’ve had a pretty rough time lately. I gave way too much of myself to my current job. Way too much. I’ve been working on my list of things to do to not get this low again.
1. Emergency fund. Never let it drop below this number. Remind yourself that every day at work is a choice. You can walk away if you have to. If you aren’t there, eat ride and beans until you get there.
2. Excercise. 10 minutes is enough. A little sunlight and fresh air and elevated heart rate are magical.
3. You are not a doctor. You are not a therapist. You can’t hold yourself to that standard. Don’t diagnose anyone or try to heal them. Refer them to professionals.
4. If you have a partner, make sure you don’t overload them. They usually can’t handle all of this.
5. Don’t work for bad people.
6. Don’t self medicate.
7. Never, under any circumstances, no matter what, use your own personal resources to help an employee. I don’t think I can explain why exactly, but I’ve done it more than once and it’s always left me feeling a little short.
Hang in there.
I’ve lost colleagues and clients before, it’s these times we remember how human we all are. I’m sorry for this loss to your organization. As much as people like to make throwaway comments about “they’ll just replace you the next day”, this is actually truly difficult and painful for everyone who this young man touched in his short life.
I hope you and your colleagues are rallying for each other, it’s the only way these events can stop from breaking us.
This is really hard. Take pride and comfort in knowing that you are doing what you can to help in a terrible situation, and that you’re leading with compassion.
And please, take care of yourself. Use that EAP, plan for time off, keep boundaries and give yourself a little grace.
Your support for her will mean more than you know. No one can ever be prepared for what emotions she is feeling. There isn’t anything to do or say that will help right here and now. But I promise, your kindness and compassion will go a long way.
Hang in there. Stay strong. I once had a similar situation with a 26 year old killed in a tragic car accident. Talking to the mother was excrutiating, I had just lost my mother and it was a rough time. But I gpt through it and felt good in the end because I was able to help provide a 50k life insurance pay out that while never enough to replace her son most certainly helped with incurred expenses.
edited for typo
Hang in there, and take some solace in being able to support her in a small way in an impossibly difficult time.
This is so tough. As HR Comms, I’ve had to write emails and memorial style posts on our intranet, as well as a card to a grieving significant other since our CEO couldn’t be bothered. Take care of yourself and try some relaxing self-care tonight like a warm bath, favorite dinner, FaceTime a friend, or a fun workout. I try to use these moments as a reminder to be grateful for the loved ones in my life, and also to not let work become the main priority in your life.
Hope you feel better soon!