Workshop Agenda

9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Welcome & Ice-breakers

9:10 AM – 9:55 AM
Keynote Presentation

“Understanding Bereavement in the Workplace: A Call for Compassionate Action”

• Speaker: Dr. Diane Bergeron, Senior Research Scientist, Center for Creative Leadership, USA

Our keynote speaker will outline the complex nature of bereavement and bereavement grief, exploring the ways in which they manifest in the workplace. Attendees will learn why compassionate action gives organizations a business advantage, enhancing productivity, perceptions of fairness, and employee retention.

The session will also examine how traditional bereavement-leave policies unintentionally disenfranchise grieving employees, highlighting examples of forward-thinking companies that are adopting more flexible, inclusive approaches. Additionally, insights from recent research of bereaved employees will provide a real-world perspective on how workplace practices impact their experience of bereavement and bereavement grief. This keynote will leave you with evidence-based action steps that will equip you to rethink policies and practices to create a more compassionate and resilient workplace.

9:55 AM – 10:00 AM                    Break

10:00 AM – 10:35 AM

 Supporting a Grieving Team Member

Speaker: Dr. Cassida Jones-Johnson, HR Consultant and President of HRMAJ

When a team member loses a loved one, the role of their manager/supervisor is pivotal in providing both emotional and practical support. This is a deeply personal experience for the affected employee, requiring thoughtful, individualized approaches. Managers should focus on offering flexibility, such as bereavement leave or adjusted workloads, while maintaining clear, compassionate communication. It’s also crucial to foster a supportive atmosphere among colleagues, helping the grieving employee reintegrate into the team without undue pressure.

This session will explore how managers can balance empathy with operational needs, navigate sensitive conversations, and create a work environment that respects the grieving process. 

10:35 AM – 10:40 AM : Break

10:40 AM – 11:15 AM
When a Team Member Dies

• Speaker: Dr Peter Weller, Psychologist

When a team member passes away, the loss affects the entire team, creating collective grief, shock, and potential disruptions in morale and workflow. Managers must address the emotional needs of the group while simultaneously dealing with practical matters like task redistribution and honouring the deceased’s legacy. Transparent communication, visible leadership, and long-term efforts to rebuild cohesion and morale are critical. 

Unlike a localized impact, this scenario often leads to permanent changes in team dynamics, requiring both immediate and ongoing adjustments to foster resilience and closure.

This session will explore strategies for supporting the emotional needs of the group and honouring the deceased’s legacy, while maintaining team stability. Transparent communication, visible leadership, and long-term efforts to rebuild cohesion are critical in helping teams adapt to this permanent change. By focusing on both immediate responses and ongoing adjustments, this session will equip leaders with tools to foster resilience and closure in the workplace.

11:15 AM – 11:50 AM
How to Be a Safe Harbour in a Sea of Grief

• Speaker: Ms. Marguerite Orane Executive Leadership and Strategy Coach

This session will highlight the critical importance of self-care for workplace leaders, offering practical strategies to help them manage stress, enhance resilience, and maintain their well-being, especially when the rest of the organization is grieving. As leaders, your ability to practice self-care not only improves your own well-being but also positively influences your team’s performance and morale. The session will explore simple yet effective self-care practices that can be integrated into daily routines, empowering you to turn up to work refreshed, focused, and ready to lead with greater clarity and compassion. Join us to learn how investing in your well-being can lead to stronger leadership and a more productive, engaged team.

11:50 AM – 12:30 PM
Wrap-Up Discussion: Turning Insights into Action

This interactive wrap-up session will bring the day’s discussions to a close, providing an opportunity to reflect on key themes and lessons, explore practical strategies for implementation, and address any lingering questions.  Participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and commitments to creating more empathetic and supportive workplaces. The discussion will conclude with a focus on actionable ‘next steps’.