Question

One of the community workers in your organisation arrives at the workplace looking anxious and distressed. This worker’s dad, who has been hospitalised for a month, has passed away.

List three (3) best practice strategies you should consider when responding to this peer worker.

Answer 1

It must be so hard for that worker,as you have mentioned worker's father is in hospital for one month and it is obviously devastating . No child wants to see their parent going through such harsh conditions and it is definitely a difficult time for that worker and requires some mental support from surrounding people including friends and collegues.

But we always dont know how to approach such cases

you can use some of these strategies which can make your co worker feel better

TRY TO BE SHORT AND SIMPLE

Dont ask how they are doing or what happened or some other questions because asking some questions to your co worker may force them to decide whether and what to share ,which might be difficult for them at that time .

Instead just tell them some soothing words like "i'm thinking of you" ," i'ii check in from time to time" , "i'm holding you in my thoughts "

They might need some practica help , so just offer them some specific tasks you could do and let them tell you anything you could do. Just tell them to call you anytime they need help. you can bring over meals for them or any simple help which you can offer to them at your workplace.

DON'T RUSH THINGS

Just because youare seeing your co worker for the first time don't feel compelled to blurt out your condolences right before the start of your work. Make an eye contact with them and notice that they are there and let them know you are welcomingt them back .

DON'T ACT STRANGE

Just because you dont know what to talk to them in those situations dont act strange to them. Try to show same attitude as you used to show before but let them know you care.

For example, if you people used to have a talk during lunch previously and now because of your co worker's father died and he's in grief don't let them be alone, just go there sit with them and offer them some help .it's the time when they need your support so just be there

I told not to act strange that doesn't mean that u can play the same lame jokes as before .Dont do such kind of stuff just understand the situation

DON'T TRACK THEIR PROGRESS

Yeah,everyperson will eventually get better over time ,many people in the throes of grieving aren't ready to hear that or to think about letting go of grieving process. so,be careful with your words instead of saying 'Are you doing any better?' just tell them some words like i'm glad u came , it's good to see you .

YOU MIGHT BE NERVOUS TO DO ANYTHING IN THIS SITUATION BUT DON'T LET YOUR DISCOMFORT LEAD YOU TO SAY NOTHING. JUST BE THERE FOR THEM. YOUR WORKER NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

Be compassionate,Be empatheic.

HOPE YOU DO WELL WITH YOUR WORKER ..:):)