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Sympathy in the Workplace
What to Say, How to Act
When someone in the office or workplace experiences the loss of a loved one, expressions of sympathy can comfort the person dealing with loss. Expressing your sympathy as a coworker can be difficult, so we have prepared a guide in how to better assist with a loss.
Grief in the Office
Death in the workplace can be difficult to deal with on a personal and professional level, so your office may choose to send a sympathy arrangement to the service or a sympathy basket to the home. You may choose to attend the services with the office or individually. If you do decide to attend the service, express your sympathy and condolences to your coworker, but leave the professional issues at the office. Offer your support and comfort in their loss. When a coworker returns to the office, you may extend your sympathy, but respect their privacy if they wish to not discuss their feelings. If it appears your coworker may be experiencing depression, you may wish to contact your supervisor for further guidance.
Acceptable Sympathy Gestures
Extending your sympathy can go beyond attending the services. Sending flowers, fruit and gourmet basket to the home of the bereaved, and writing a condolence note, all go a long way towards comforting someone in their time of need. Alternative ways of extending your sympathy would be to contribute to a family charity, or give to a cause the deceased was supporting, or to donate to a scholarship fund. In the end, maintaining contact with the bereaved will serve as great way to extend your sympathy.
Sending Sympathy Arrangements to the Funeral Service
If you are sending an arrangement on behalf of the department, group, or company, acceptable sympathy arrangements would be a standing spray, standing basket, or fireside basket. Other arrangements to also include would be elegant vase arrangements and large plants.
Sending a Sympathy Gift to the Home
If you are unable to attend the services, an alternative would be to send a sympathy gift to the home of the bereaved. A supporting card or note would be an acceptable form of extending your sympathy. Other sympathy gifts would include, a floral basket arrangement, dish garden, or a plant is an appropriate gesture, as well as fruit, food, and gourmet baskets.
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