When Tragedy Strikes: Eleven Tips for Your Workplace

As a consultant and writer for twenty years, I am reminded frequently of workplace tragedies. Coworkers die; they lose family members. Once upon a time, I met with a potential client, with whom I was excited about working. I never heard back from him, which surprised me because our connection had been great. I learned, when I made a follow-up contact, that he had died the weekend after our meeting. How sad that I never knew him.

Here, at About.com, we are consultants and freelance writers and editors. Yet, you still build a sense of community with the people with whom you work. It's not the same as working with a coworker every day, but you do mourn the people who experience life tragedies.

A colleague died last week, our Financial Planning editor and writer, Deborah Fowles. I am reminded, once again, that we only have a short time to love and appreciate people in this life. We can deal with workplace tragedies in ways that decrease their impact and allow us to rejoice and move on. See When Tragedy Strikes: Eleven Tips for Your Workplace Response. Employers do have the opportunity to support employees in times of sorrow and I know this article will provide guidance.