Guests: Steve Bullington, Heather Fjelstad, & Grace Erickson
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This panel featured three individuals who shared their workplace bereavement experiences and the impact that it has/had on their lives. Their stories highlighted the crucial need for compassionate support, beyond just policy, from employers during times of loss.
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We covered a ton in a short amount of time! Here’s the TLDW;
(or you could just hit play!)

Common Experiences and Challenges:
All panelists served as caregivers for their loved ones before experiencing their loss.
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They struggled with balancing caregiving duties with professional responsibilities, often feeling isolated and under pressure.
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Many lacked guidance and support from their companies during their bereavement periods.

‍Supportive Responses:
Having a supportive and understanding manager made a significant positive impact.
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Flexible leave policies, especially unlimited PTO, provided much-needed flexibility.
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Personal gestures from colleagues, such as attending funerals or expressing condolences, were deeply appreciated and memorable.

Clear communication and proactive support from HR or leadership were beneficial, though often missing.
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‍Inadequate Responses:
Limited bereavement leave (e.g., three days) was insufficient and added stress.
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Lack of knowledge or support from managers and HR about leave policies created additional challenges.
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Employees often had to advocate for themselves, which was difficult during a time of grief.
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Returning to work without proper support or acknowledgment from colleagues made the transition harder.

‍Suggestions for Improvement:
Managers should be knowledgeable about company leave policies and proactive in offering support.
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Companies should provide more extensive bereavement leave and consider flexible re-entry plans.
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Training for managers on how to handle bereavement situations with empathy and practical support is crucial.
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Open conversations about grief and caregiving should be encouraged to foster a supportive workplace culture.
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Companies should treat employees as humans, balancing organizational needs with compassionate support.

‍Final Messages:
Grief is a universal experience; empathetic and flexible company policies can make a significant difference.
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Normalizing discussions about grief and caregiving at work can lead to better support systems and a more compassionate workplace environment.
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Proactive, human-centered approaches from management and leadership are essential in supporting grieving employees effectively.