How to Treat the Coworkers of a Murder Victim

How to Treat the Coworkers of a Murder Victim

When a coworker is murdered, survivors are stunned, grief-stricken and may deal with the loss in different ways. Managers and human resources specialists can provide initial support for coworkers and determine individual employee needs for ongoing help. Coworkers who did not know the victim, but who are acquainted with his colleagues can provide support depending on their relationships to surviving coworkers. Listen to a coworker's thoughts and memories. Offer solace and affirm your support for your coworkers.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Private meeting room
• Human resources policy and procedures for bereavement and stress management
• Professional assistance resources for employees

Suggest Edits

1. • 1
     Provide coworkers of the deceased access to grief counseling. Andrea Morini/Digital Vision/Getty Images

     Inform employees of the loss of a coworker in a private location away from their work stations. Provide known facts about what happened, when, and the deceased's family's wishes and plans for services. Close the meeting by remembering the fallen employee's contributions to the organization and offer employees a few moments for absorbing the news of their loss.
   • 2
     Saying goodbye can be done in public and private ways. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

     Respond to the tragedy by supporting subordinates and coworkers. Work with your company's human resources department for determining resources available for grieving coworkers. Encourage coworkers to talk with management or human resources; maintain an "open-door" policy for employees wishing to discuss the crime and their loss. Advise coworkers of policies for taking bereavement leave and arrange for coverage as needed for allowing coworkers to attend services.
   • 3
     Encourage co-workers to share memories of the deceased. Observe coworkers for signs of distress; depression, uncontrollable weeping, missing work and shunning family and associates can be signs of conditions requiring professional counseling or medical help. Coworkers who witnessed the victim's murder may experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
   • 4
     Supervisors should meet with employees individually for determining their needs. Refer employees needing additional assistance to human resources. Inform your supervisor or human resources if you are aware of a coworker who is struggling with the loss of the murdered coworker. Coworkers' responses to the event may occur at different times; continue providing support as needed.
   • 5
     Resume a normal work schedule and job duties after services for the murder victim are held. Continue supporting and talking with bereaved coworkers, but accentuate positive memories of a murdered coworker rather than revisiting the crime and its aftermath. Honor the deceased by making a group donation to a meaningful charity.