Supporting grieving employees in the workplace

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If you are currently experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. If you’re thinking about harming yourself, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you. For youth under the age of 18, call the Division of Child and Family Services’ (DCFS) Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) at 702-486-7865 in Southern Nevada or 775-688-1670 in Northern Nevada.

Recognizing signs and offering help

Grief can deeply affect an employee’s ability to function at work. Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, exhaustion, impaired decision-making, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Productivity may decline, and absenteeism or frequent illnesses can occur.

Managers and coworkers play a vital role in supporting grieving employees. Express sympathy without making assumptions, avoid phrases like “I know how you feel,” and be willing to simply listen. Offer resources such as bereavement counseling, grief workshops, and community support groups. Flexibility with schedules and workload adjustments can make a significant difference. Remember that grief continues long after the funeral—be mindful of anniversaries and holidays.

For more information or to schedule a visit with an EAP counselor:

Visit bhoptions.eapintake.com or call 1-800-280-3782, TTY 711.

You have the right to receive help and information in your language at no cost. To request an interpreter, call the toll-free member number on your plan ID card or plan documents.