Running a business can be hard work – there is so much you have to deal with and worry about on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Many people don’t understand how difficult it can be and how much stress you can be under. As you know, the responsibilities of owning your own company reach far beyond just business duties.
You have to make sure you are maintaining a happy and healthy work environment at all times. If someone who works for you dies, whether it is sudden or expected, it can throw everything off. Especially if this is your first time dealing with such a situation, you may not know what to do. Here are 3 tips for handling a death within your company.
Contact The Family
Losing a family member is extremely sad, and the family of your employee will probably be having a very hard time. Don’t bombard them with calls or messages right away – give them a little time and then reach out to them. Let them know that you were very upset to hear the news and that you want to be there for them in whatever way you can. Offer to help with planning funeral services, and ask if there is anything else they need from you.
Offer Support
Many other people in your company who knew or worked closely with the deceased may be grief-stricken, which will understandably impede on their ability to do their job. As their employer, it is important that you offer them the support they need in order to grieve properly. This may include giving them time off as needed or offering counseling for anyone who wants it. Give everyone time to deal with it in their own way, and don’t judge others for reacting differently than you do.
Don’t Worry About The Business
After a death within your company, you may be worried about the future of the business, especially if the deceased had a very important role. Try not to think about that right away. Know that this person would be there working hard for you right now if they could be, and that there are much bigger and more important things to worry about at the moment than success or revenue. It is OK to come up with a plan for the future moving forward, but you don’t want to come off as cold by proposing these types of things too quickly. Give everyone a little time before you bring up business stuff after an event like this.
Having a death occur to someone who works for you will not be easy, but you can get through it. Just remember to offer support to everyone who needs it and put your business on the back burner for a moment.