The death of a colleague is a unique kind of grief—one that is often overlooked, uncomfortable, and challenging to navigate. Unlike personal losses, workplace grief exists in an environment that prioritizes deadlines, productivity, and bottom lines. When tragedy strikes, should businesses press forward as if nothing happened, or should they pause and acknowledge the human cost of loss? In many organizations, the death of an employee is met with brief condolences, a moment of silence, and then an expectation to return to work as usual. But is this the right way to respond?

Studies from the American Psychological Association (APA) indicate that grief significantly impacts workplace performance and even long-term mental health struggles when grief is not properly addressed. So, how should the workplace truly respond when a colleague dies? Let’s explore ways to handle such a delicate situation.

Acknowledge the Loss
One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is downplaying or ignoring the death of a colleague. A generic company-wide email announcing the loss is not enough. Employers should neither rush past the loss in an attempt to “keep things professional” nor dismiss employees’ emotional responses as irrelevant to work. Rather it should arrange a team meeting to acknowledge the loss and allow employees to share their thoughts. Employees need space to grieve and process the emotional impact.

Create Space for Grieving
Grief is not one-size-fits-all. Some employees may need time off to process, while others may prefer to immerse themselves in work as a distraction. Employers should encourage open-door policies for employees to express their feelings while providing flexible bereavement leave or mental health days. Employees should not be expected to grieve in the same way or “move on” quickly.

According to research published in the Harvard Business Review, workplace productivity drops by nearly 30% in grieving employees, and forcing people to suppress grief only exacerbates emotional distress.

Memorialize, but Don’t Make It Uncomfortable
Some organizations hesitate to acknowledge loss beyond a brief announcement, fearing it will be “too emotional.” However, ignoring the death of a team member can make employees feel like their grief is unwelcome.

Employers should not ignore the loss completely out of fear of “disrupting” the workplace, rather they will do well to dedicate a space (e.g., a digital tribute wall, a memory book) for colleagues to express their condolences or even consider small, thoughtful gestures—such as sending flowers to the family or organizing a donation in the person’s name.

Support Employees in the Long Term
Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. In fact, the hardest part often begins once the condolences fade, and employees are expected to “return to normal.” Employers could check in periodically with employees, especially those who were close to the deceased. They may even provide long-term mental health support, including professional counselling if needed.

Create a More Grief-Inclusive Workplace Culture
The way an organization responds to grief reflects its workplace culture. A company that values its people will prioritize emotional well-being just as much as productivity. Employers should recognize that grief extends beyond death and so should not treat grief as an inconvenience or a “personal problem. They should also not allow a (toxic) productivity culture to override human compassion. Rather they should foster a culture where mental health is taken seriously.

When a colleague dies, businesses face a choice—ignore the loss in favour of deadlines, or recognize that employees are human beings, not just workers. A compassionate response fosters loyalty, well-being, and ultimately, a healthier work environment. If your workplace is struggling to navigate grief, consider implementing policies that support employees during loss. The best workplaces are those that acknowledge this truth and respond with empathy, because, in the end, a company that values people over profit will always thrive.

Have you lost a colleague in your Workplace? How did your workplace respond? Share with us in the comments section.