Turning Grief into Growth and Leading with Compassion as an Entrepreneur
In this episode of CEO Wingwoman, Christy is joined by Suzanne, a grieving mom who found meaning in her loss by helping others navigate the grief journey. They discuss the importance of mental health and how it can impact business owners. Suzanne shares her own experience of losing her son and how she stays conscious and curious about the grief journey. She also works to help people, organizations, and businesses build skills and protocols to better support those who are grieving. Tune in to learn how to normalize grief and embrace it as a healthy and expected part of life.
Listen in as we speak about:
Normalizing grief and supporting mental health
How to support employees through grief
Talking about emotions openly
Normalizing grief and supporting mental health
In today's society, there is often a stigma surrounding grief and mental health. People are expected to keep their emotions in check and put on a brave face, even in the face of loss and hardship. However, it is crucial that we normalize grief and support mental health, especially in the workplace. Suzanne's personal experience with the sudden death of her son at a young age has led her to become a certified grief educator and transformational coach. Grief is an expected and healthy part of life. It is not something to be avoided or swept under the rug. Grief can be triggered by various life events, not just the death of a loved one. Suzanne mentions the example of her sibling missing out on the college experience due to the pandemic, which can also be a cause for grief.
Someone might be grieving, even if they have not openly shared their loss. Suzanne suggests looking for changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or withdrawal from social activities. There are also physical signs, such as changes in sleep patterns or appetite. It is crucial for employers and colleagues to be aware of these signs and offer support.
How to support employees through grief
One of the first steps in supporting employees through grief is recognizing the signs and symptoms. Grief can manifest in different ways, including sadness, anger, confusion, and even physical symptoms such as fatigue or loss of appetite. By being aware of these signs, employers can better understand when an employee may be going through a grieving process and offer the necessary support.
Communication is key when it comes to supporting employees through grief. Employers should create an open and non-judgmental space where employees feel comfortable discussing their emotions and experiences. This can be done through regular check-ins, one-on-one meetings, or even implementing a grief support program within the workplace. By encouraging open dialogue, employers can ensure that employees feel heard and supported during their grieving process. Employers should also consider implementing policies and procedures that make it easier for employees to navigate their grief. For example, if an employee informs their supervisor or HR department about their loss, there should be a system in place to ensure that the necessary information is communicated to other important individuals within the organization. This way, the employee does not have to repeatedly share their grief with different people, reducing the emotional burden on them.
Talking about emotions openly
It is important to have a safe space to express emotions and the negative consequences of suppressing them. Suzanne emphasizes the need for others to understand and respect the need for privacy during these moments. She expresses the desire for a protocol or procedure that allows individuals to step away and take a break when they need it. This would enable them to process their emotions and return to the situation in a more efficient and productive manner.
There’s a stigma surrounding emotions and there’s a strong need to break it. But change cannot happen if emotions are seen as something to be hidden or ignored. By openly discussing emotions and encouraging others to do the same, we can create a culture that values emotional well-being and supports individuals in their journey.
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