Over the past couple years, it feels that grief and loss is a topic that shows up in media and it’s getting some time in the spotlight. COVID took lives from the actual illness as well as in the form of mental health. The world feels the effects even as we get back to everyday life.
Recently, I was looking into how workplaces attend to grief and loss. Sure, there is much information on a Google Search… but what research has really been done to explore the cost of all this loss?
No joke, in 2003, there was a research study that found that the financial impact of profound life transitions was $50 Billion for US Businesses. Another article took that same information and in today’s economic climate, that’s over $90 Billion. The 2003 research broke down losses into a Grief Index. They wrote a complete book on their findings.
There is plenty of research that talked about what companies could do to support their employees. I found case studies on individual’s responses about returning to work after life transitions.
Since 2009, I’ve worked with clients with grief and loss. I’ve heard first hand accounts of employers that were truly Compassionate Leaders! I’ve also heard of tough times returning to the workplace, some even needing to take leave due to their struggle. There were articles about gaps in support for employees or what to say to someone returning from Bereavement Leave.
As a general rule, I’m an observer and a doer… when I see something to be done, I do something. A roll up your sleeves kind of girl, if you will. Chartreuse Center was created to fill the gaps with grief, infertility and new parenting supports that are accessible, flexible and priced to reduce barriers to programs.
If you are in Human Resources or an Employee Assistance Program organization, I want to talk. I invite you to reach out. Chartreuse Center Programs can be a wonderful resource for Employers to add value Bereavement Benefits beyond the time off, funeral flowers or sympathy cards, or offer psycho-social supports for those going through infertility treatment.
Reach out at [email protected]. I look forward to talking more!