From the Shadows into the Light – Supporting Complicated Grief at Work: Interview with Katie Huey | Ep. 59

This week I am joined by Katie Huey, an expert in leadership and organizational development, whose personal journey through loss has fueled her passion for advocating compassionate workplaces. Together, we discuss the profound impact of complicated and disenfranchised grief on individuals and the workplace.

Complicated grief goes beyond typical bereavement; it often arises from traumatic losses like overdose, homicide, or suicide and can deeply disrupt one’s emotional and functional life. Disenfranchised grief, on the other hand, is a type of grief that society often fails to recognize or validate. Losses that fall outside of accepted norms—such as the end of a secret relationship, miscarriage, or deaths tied to addiction or suicide—can leave those grieving feeling isolated and unsupported, their pain unacknowledged by others.

In the workplace, these forms of grief can significantly affect productivity, morale, and team dynamics. As a place where many people spend much of their time, work can be a key environment for support, yet often it can unintentionally become a source of further stress. Avoidance, stigmatization, or the expectation to “move on” only compounds the grief experience, increasing feelings of isolation for the bereaved.

To foster a culture of compassion, workplaces must prioritize “organizational empathy” by offering flexible leave policies, peer support networks, and grief-informed training for leaders. Implementing postvention planning—a strategic, compassionate response to traumatic loss—can help ensure that the workplace provides genuine support and healing. Through this episode, we explore practical steps and insights for building resilient workplaces that support grieving employees with empathy and understanding.

About Katie Kuey:
Katie specializes in exploring the intersections of lived human experiences and business needs. She believes the world needs more leaders who embrace the complexities of being human while also striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Her personal grief story informs her coaching practice and passion for increased empathy and compassion in the workplace. She leads workshops and facilitates conversations designed to help people find words in situations where we come up short.

Katie is a graduate of Stanford's Applied Compassion Training, a certified Grief Educator, and  ICF certified Coach. She has worked with leaders and their teams since 2011 and she has been trying to read 20,000 pages a year since 2008.

TAKEAWAYS:

“The phrase ‘There are no words’ may not be as helpful as you think. Together we'll explore other ideas for how to fill the space that's supportive. There are four types of people who typically show up after loss. Which one will you want to be?” - Katie Huey

SHOW NOTES:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-huey-acc-b10969aa/

Instagram - @52beautifulthings

Website - www.katiehuey.com

• Grief in the Workplace: 5 Ways to Help an Employee Living with Loss - Conscious Company Magazine

  How to Care for Yourself at Work After a Loss or Trauma - Conscious Company Magazine

• Grief at Work: How Companies Can Support Grieving Employees
  This article discusses practical ways companies can support grieving employees, covering condolence practices and company policies that can make a difference.

• Thoughtfully Managing Grief in the Workplace
  This article highlights the role of HR professionals in providing empathetic and structured support for employees experiencing grief, with insights on policies and best practices.

• Healing Grief at Work: 100 Practical Ideas After Your Workplace is Touched by Loss
  Written by grief expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt, this book offers 100 actionable ideas for workplaces impacted by loss, helping organizations support grieving employees while maintaining productivity.

• Grief Supportive Workplace Initiative by New York Life Foundation
  This initiative provides free training modules and communication tools designed to help organizations develop grief-supportive practices for employees and foster compassionate workplace cultures.

• Mental Health Awareness: 13 Ways HR Managers Can Offer Grief Support at Work
  Forbes offers a list of strategies for HR managers to support grieving employees, including compassionate communication, mental health resources, and supportive leave policies.

• Grief in the Workplace
  This guide from the Hospice Foundation of America provides compassionate advice for both employees and managers dealing with grief in the workplace, offering specific steps for creating a supportive environment.