Grief in the workplace | Anders Denken Podcast #25 with funeral director Berber Pasveer

In episode 25 of the Anders Denken Podcast, Berber Pasveer, former absence manager and now an independent funeral director, shares her knowledge about grief and how to deal with grief in the workplace as an organization. The subject is often still a taboo within many organizations. "But fortunately it is being talked about more," Berber indicates.

Grievance protocol

Grief is a personal process and everyone experiences it in their own way. Still, some organizations use a grief protocol. Berber is not in favor of this: "My hairs stand on end at the idea of a fixed mourning protocol. Grieving has no time limit and is different for everyone." She says it is much more important as an organization to listen carefully to the needs of grieving employees. "Start by showing understanding and really listening. Instead of giving advice, it's better to ask what someone needs."

The power of open-ended questions

An employee grieving is not an everyday occurrence. Therefore, according to Berber, it is not strange if colleagues or employer are not sure how to deal with it. Berber recommends asking open-ended questions, such as: "How did you experience the funeral?" This provides more room for a personal conversation than the standard question "How did it go?" where the answer is often already obvious.

Mourning is not absenteeism

Grief is not an illness and thus need not automatically lead to absenteeism. Indeed, it does not help to send a grieving employee home sick. "Instead, employer and employee can discuss together what adjustments are possible in working hours or tasks. Giving space for grief can actually contribute to recovery. The most important thing is that grief is made negotiable, so that the employee feels supported and can continue to work."

Want to learn more about grief in the workplace?

Curious about Berber's valuable insights on how to deal with grief in the workplace as an employer? Then listen below to episode #25 of the Anders Denken Podcast.