Life’s challenges don’t stop when your employees cross the threshold. Grief is a universal human experience, yet it remains one of the least acknowledged and most misunderstood aspects of workplace culture. The death of a loved one, a significant life transition, or even collective societal losses can profoundly impact an individual’s emotional and physical well-being.

Many larger companies have introduced expanded bereavement policies, offering several weeks of paid leave for grieving employees. With smaller teams, limited resources, and often no formal HR department or Employee Assistance Program (EAP), small businesses feel the impact of grief more deeply. Yet, in these intimate environments, small businesses are uniquely positioned to create grief-informed and grief-friendly workplace cultures.

What Does It Mean to Be a Grief-Friendly Workplace?

A Grief-Friendly Workplace is one where employees can feel supported through life’s most difficult moments, especially when grieving the loss of a loved one, or supporting a team member who is. A Grief-Friendly Workplace fosters a culture of empathy and resilience, where team members can bring their whole selves to work without fear of judgment or stigma. For employees, this means knowing they are valued and supported. For potential hires, it signals a forward-thinking, compassionate workplace culture. For clients and partners, it reflects your commitment to treating people with care and dignity.

Key Benefits of Becoming a Grief-Friendly Workplace

For Employees

• Emotional Support: Employees feel valued and cared for during difficult times.
• Improved Well-Being: Access to resources and understanding colleagues reduces stress and fosters emotional recovery.
• Stronger Team Connections: Encourages open communication and mutual support within teams.

For Employers

• Increased Employee Retention: Employees are more likely to stay with organizations that prioritize their well-being.
• Enhanced Morale and Productivity: Addressing grief fosters a culture of empathy, improving team dynamics and reducing absenteeism and presenteeism caused by unresolved grief.
• Positive Employer Branding: Demonstrates your organization as a caring, compassionate employer, attracting top talent.

How Your Organization Benefits

• Recognition: Display a "Grief-Friendly Workplace" badge as a visible sign of your organization’s commitment to employee care.
• Leadership Development: Train leaders to support employees effectively during times of grief.
• Access to Resources: Receive tools, guides, and support to maintain a grief-friendly workplace culture.

Grief is a part of life, and life is a part of work. Invest in your team. Strengthen your culture. Build a legacy of care and dignity.

Pilot Program Mission and Goals

The Grief-Friendly Workplace Pilot Program is designed to empower small businesses to address grief and loss with empathy and proactive support. Our mission is to foster a workplace culture where employees feel understood and valued during challenging times. By participating in this program, small businesses will:

• Learn how to implement grief-informed policies and practices that benefit their teams.
• Build resilience and foster a sense of community among employees.
• Gain insights into creating sustainable, supportive environments that address the unique challenges of workplace grief.

This program is rooted in the belief that compassionate leadership and intentional practices can transform how organizations navigate loss, ensuring every employee feels cared for and supported.

Why Exclusive to Small Businesses?

Small businesses often face unique challenges when it comes to addressing grief in the workplace. With fewer employees, the loss or emotional struggles of one individual can have a significant ripple effect across the team. Unlike larger organizations with dedicated HR departments or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), small businesses may lack access to specialized resources to navigate such sensitive situations effectively. By focusing this pilot program on small businesses, we aim to:

• Provide tailored solutions that fit the scale and needs of smaller teams.
• Empower small businesses to lead with compassion without overwhelming their resources.
• Highlight the powerful impact that even small, intentional changes can make in fostering a supportive workplace culture.

Pilot Program Highlights

• Exclusive Enrollment: Limited to 10 small businesses with 10–50 employees, ensuring personalized attention and meaningful impact.
• Program Duration: A three-month pilot designed to provide sufficient time to implement strategies, analyze results, and gather insights.
• Certification Opportunity: One staff member from each participating business will be enrolled in the ICF-accredited From Grief to Gratitude Coach Certification Program. This comprehensive online program accommodates flexible schedules to fit seamlessly into work routines.
• Kickoff Orientation: A virtual session to introduce participants to the program, set expectations, and build a sense of community among participating businesses.
• Supplementary Resources: Access to a curated set of grief-related tools and materials to support workplace implementation.
• Ongoing Support: Monthly check-ins during the pilot program to discuss progress, address challenges, and gather actionable feedback for continuous improvement.

“Workplaces are often described as professional environments, but they are also human ones. Employees bring their whole selves to work, including their joys, struggles, and, inevitably, their grief. By integrating grief education and compassion into workplace culture, organizations can honor the humanity of their employees, creating a space where people can navigate life’s challenges without sacrificing their careers or mental health. Grief doesn’t demand perfection. It simply asks for presence. By acknowledging, understanding, and embracing grief, we honor the whole person and create a culture where everyone can truly thrive in the workplace." -- Dora Carpenter, Founder, Institute of Professional Grief Coaching | IOPGC

How to Apply

Don’t miss this opportunity to join an exclusive group of forward-thinking small businesses making a difference in the world of workplace grief.

INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL GRIEF COACHING | IOPGC

 Grief is the journey. Gratitude is the destination.®

Disclaimer: Our programs are not based on a conceptual, intellectual, or theological perspective. The program, its instructor(s), and coaches provide education and support. We do not imply, infer, or attempt to fix, heal, or cure grief and do not imply or provide professional counseling or therapy. If you are experiencing serious suicidal thoughts that you cannot control, please call or text 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to http://988lifeline.org.