In the latest episode of the Huddle Leadership Podcast, host Kate Russell sits down with Jodie Atkinson, a grief recovery specialist, speaker, author, and award-winning entertainer. Their conversation sheds light on the often-taboo subject of grief and its impact on individuals and workplaces.
Understanding Grief
Atkinson emphasises that grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience. She explains, "No two people may grieve the same way. So grief can present in many different ways." From crying and sadness to isolation, panic attacks, and anxiety, grief manifests differently for everyone.
Grief in the Workplace
The podcast delves into how grief affects the workplace, particularly when employees experience significant personal losses. Atkinson offers valuable insights for leaders on supporting grieving team members:
Show up and listen: "The best advice would be just to show up and say, look, I'm not sure what to say or what to do, but I'm here," Atkinson advises.
Avoid comparisons: "All losses felt at 100%, whether it is somebody's pet that's passed away, a child, a parent... or a career change or a redundancy," she notes.
Be mindful of language: Atkinson cautions against using phrases like "I know how you feel" or "They're in a better place." Instead, she suggests saying, "I can only imagine what you must be going through."
Offer flexible support: Recognising that grief can be exhausting, Atkinson recommends considering flexible return-to-work strategies and offering a range of support services.
The Importance of Boundaries
Atkinson highlights the need for grieving individuals to establish boundaries in their interactions. She shares her personal experience: "I thought I need to find a way to manage these... boundaries around that. And that's something that I'm also really passionate about is helping grieving people establish language and boundaries."
Moving Forward
The podcast underscores the importance of openly discussing grief in our communities and workplaces. As Atkinson poignantly states, "Grief is never gonna just disappear out of our human experience. We can't have the light without the shade."
This episode of the Huddle Leadership Podcast offers valuable insights for leaders navigating the complex terrain of grief in the workplace. By fostering understanding and compassion, we can create more supportive environments for those experiencing loss.
Listen to the full episode to gain more insights on this crucial topic and learn how to better support your team members through difficult times.
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