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Grief doesn’t end when bereavement leave does, and ignoring that reality can cost organizations dearly. In this episode of The JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast, hosts JoDee Curtis and Susan White explore why grief support belongs on every leader’s strategic agenda. They’re joined by Dr. Jennifer Levin, founder of Traumatic Grief Solutions and one of fewer than 300 Fellows in Thanatology worldwide, to unpack what workplaces often miss when tragedy strikes.

From sudden loss to traumatic events, grief ripples through teams in ways that impact productivity, retention, and culture. Dr. Levin shares practical strategies for leaders and HR professionals to respond with compassion and structure. You’ll learn why planning ahead matters, how to avoid common missteps, and what it takes to rebuild psychological safety after loss.

Key Takeaways

• Grief is long-term. Support shouldn’t stop after the funeral. Check-ins at three, six, and even 10 months matter.
• The cost is real. U.S. businesses lose over $100 billion annually to grief-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover.
• Plan before crisis hits.
• It’s not if, it’s when. Proactive policies and training make all the difference.
• Language matters. Avoid clichés like “I know how you feel” or “They’re in a better place.” Instead, acknowledge and validate.
• One in four employees is grieving right now. Building a culture of empathy is a business imperative.

In this episode’s listener question, we’re asked about best practices for executive compensation programs that are balanced and drive the right priority and focus. In the news, we discuss a survey about American’s lunchtime work habits.

Quote of the Episode

“Joy in this is being seen, witnessed, validated, connected, and supported…there will be moments of joy again, and we’ll be with you until then.” – Dr. Jennifer Levin

Mentioned in this episode

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• ”Work-related Fatality Trends” – National Safety Council
• ”Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2024” – AFL-CIO, April 2024
• ”Fentanyl Positivity Is More Than Seven Times Higher in Random Tests vs. Pre-Employment Drug Screening, Finds 2025 Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index” – Quest Diagnostics, September 2025
• Traumatic Grief Solutions
• Association for Death Education and Counseling
• Fellow in Thanatology certification
• The Traumatic Loss Workbook: Powerful Skills for Navigating the Grief Caused by a Sudden or Unexpected Death by Jennifer R. Levin
• 2024 The Cost of Dying Report – Empathy
• Email Jennifer
• Therapy Heals
• ”Cities Where People Take the Longest Lunch Breaks” – Sudoku Bliss
• SHRM credit evaluation – the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on December 29, 2026
• JoyPowered® Patreon page
• JoyPowered® on LinkedIn
• JoyPowered® on Instagram
• Email JoyPowered®