Supporting Grief in the Workplace:
A path to a compassionate culture and productivity

When workplaces understand grief, they build safety, compassion, and connection

In the work environment the emotional wellbeing of employees is of paramount importance. Grief is an often silent challenge that can have a devastating impact on workplace safety, morale and productivity. In high stress industries such as construction, where New Zealand faces one of the highest suicide rates, addressing grief is not just compassionate, it’s essential.

At any one time 25% of the workforce are grieving, whether the loss of a loved one, domestic violence, relationship break up or other major life change.

Why address grief in the workplace?

While a work environment is considered professional, it is staffed by humans, who bring their whole self into the work place, including their joy and their grief.

A grieving employee often struggles with reduced concentration, making decisions, and emotional regulation. These issues, if left unaddressed, can escalate, contributing to a broader mental health crisis, including increased risks of suicide. Creating a supportive workplace can mitigate these risks, create a compassionate culture, and enhance overall team resilience and safety.

My approach

At Embrace Your Future I specialise in helping organisations create supportive environments, where employees can navigate their grief without fear or stigma, including in the aftermath of sudden, traumatic workplace events. Through my tailored workshops and webinars, and post-incident support, I equip leaders and teams with the tools they need to recognise and address grief effectively, with a focus on reducing risks and promoting a healthier work environment.

My services include:

Workshops & webinars: Equip your team with practical strategies to support colleagues, recognise signs of distress, and create a safe and compassionate work culture, including how to respond appropriately following sudden loss or traumatic events in the workplace.
Leadership consultations: Support leaders and people managers to respond with confidence and care during times of loss, including guidance following critical incidents, and assist in shaping policies that prioritise emotional wellbeing, safety, and accountability
Crisis & post-incident support: Provide timely, grounded support to organisations following unexpected or traumatic events, helping leaders communicate effectively, stabilise teams, and reduce the risk of long-term psychological harm.
Custom solutions: Tailored offerings designed to meet the specific needs of your organisation, whether preventative, responsive, or post-incident, ensuring relevance, sensitivity, and meaningful impact.

Why it matters

By acknowledging, understanding, and embracing grief, we honour the whole person and create a culture where everyone can truly thrive in the workplace. You can also save lives.

In high risk industries or where the pressures are immense, providing support for mental wellbeing is not just a moral obligation, it’s a safety necessity. By creating a compassionate environment, we can reduce the risk of serious outcomes, including suicide, and show your commitment to the health and safety of your team,

Employees record up to 30% lower productivity for the first 6 months after bereavement

Partner with me

By addressing grief in your workplace, you are investing in a healthier, more productive future for your team. Let me work with you to navigate this critical aspect of employee wellbeing. Reach out today to learn more about my services and how I can support your organisation.

Leaders are generally not trained how to manage the grief of employees. Therefore, you cannot be expected to know what to say or do, without understanding the role that grief plays in an individuals life.

My program inspires belonging, connection and engagement. It gives managers the tools to embrace and handle the discomfort of grief.

Corporate services are customised based on your organisation's needs. Crisis response interventions, preventative education programs, and workplace grief consultation are available. Contact me to discuss your specific situation and receive a proposal

About me