Ways to help employees cope

� Be aware of each other. If it appears that someone is having a serious problem coping with the death, express concern and encourage them to seek professional assistance through their EAP or outside counseling sources.

� Accept that work may be affected. Management and co-workers� job performance and interactions may be affected by the stress. In time, things will return to normal. If the death is suicide, homicide, unexpected, or occurred in the workplace, the emotional trauma experienced will be more severe and the need for outside help will be greater.

� Contact the family of the deceased. Consider sending cards, flowers, or other gifts, such as a book of memories written by the staff, to a surviving spouse or child.

� Attend or organize a memorial service. Whether conducted on or off the work site, a memorial service can be another important step for acknowledging feelings and coming to terms with the death.

� Consider establishing a memorial at work. If a company maintains an internal (intranet) web site or newsletter, an on-line or published memorial message may be created.