How to Support a Colleague Who Has Lost a Loved One to

When a colleague experiences the loss of a loved one to suicide, it can be challenging to know how to respond. According to empirical research synthesized by Groundwork, each suicide is connected to 135 people who knew the deceased, including coworkers, along with a percentage of those who were considered “close connections.” This means that 6.6 million people are added to the larger community of suicide loss survivors each year.

As someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide, I understand the importance of having a supportive network. However, it's not always easy to know how to offer support to a colleague who may not be ready or prepared to share their grief.

Start with Condolences

A good first step is to offer your condolences, delicately and respectfully. This can be done through a handwritten note or a card with a thoughtful message. One person I interviewed, whose mother died by suicide, said, “A few of my colleagues handed me cards with handwritten notes of condolence. I will never forget how thoughtful that was, that they took the time to write a note of kindness.”

According to our analysis on the importance of empathy in the workplace, our analysis on empathy in the workplace highlights the benefits of creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their emotions. By offering condolences, you can help create a sense of safety and understanding.

Offering Further Support

To gauge how to respond, you need to consider your relationship with the individual. Are they a colleague with whom you have little social connection other than work-related interactions, or a close coworker and friend you socialize with? How you decide to express your regrets should tie into that relationship.

If you don’t have a close relationship but work in the same office, a simple expression of regret or a note of support would be appreciated, demonstrating that even though you might not be particularly close, you care about your coworker and the death of their loved one. One person I interviewed told how such a work acquaintance sent a flower arrangement to their coworker’s desk, a touching gesture of support. “The fact that we were not particularly close, but he still took the time to send me some flowers, was extremely touching,” he said.

In the case of a close coworker, consider offering more support. This can include checking in regularly, offering to help with tasks or errands, or simply being present. By being a supportive presence, you can help your colleague feel less isolated and more supported during a difficult time.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment in the workplace is essential when a colleague experiences the loss of a loved one to suicide. This can be done by having open and honest conversations, creating a safe space for employees to share their emotions, and providing resources and support.

According to our analysis on the importance of mental health in the workplace, our analysis on mental health in the workplace highlights the benefits of prioritizing mental health and creating a supportive environment. By doing so, you can help create a culture of empathy and understanding.