Managing Grief and Loss in a Virtual Team

Welcome to Mind Tools' Video Learning Series.

Our colleagues can become close friends even when they work miles away. These are people who you see most days. People who you've likely shared highs and lows with, successes and failures, and maybe even personal moments, too.

So, when a co-worker leaves, is let go, or even passes away, it can be difficult to cope. This is particularly the case if you work in a virtual team, where feelings of loss can be made worse by isolation and loneliness.

Whether you've lost a team member through bereavement, redundancy or just moving on, there are some basic things you can do to provide reassurance and support.

People will likely want to talk through their feelings and thoughts after losing a team member. Share what you can, when you can. And let your colleagues know that your virtual door is always open, even if it's just for a short, informal catch up.

Be careful not to rely too heavily on email or text – you'll likely miss some of the signs that things aren't right. So, try and schedule some virtual video meetings in the days and weeks that follow.

Encourage team members to reach out to one another informally as well. They'll likely already be doing this through social media or via messaging apps. Be sure to remind them to treat the subject with sensitivity and tact, as conversations on these channels can often lead to misunderstandings or loss of confidentiality.

Acknowledge people's distress and allow them to grieve. Some people may need time off – while others might prefer the stability of work. Show empathy and ask them what you can do to help.

People react differently to loss. Some team members may go quiet. Others might get angry. Be supportive and non-judgmental, and give everyone the time and space they need to grieve.

Those closest to the former team member may need some extra help. Do what you can to lighten their load temporarily and prevent them from being overwhelmed. Could you delegate tasks to others, for example? Or relax their schedule slightly?

Ask HR to reach out to team members and signpost any additional support that's available to them – for example, mental health first aiders or support groups. This will remind them that they work within an organization that genuinely cares about them.

Consider sending an e-card, gift or flowers, especially in the case of bereavement. This can be a welcome gesture, but be sure to avoid pressurizing people to contribute.

Supporting team members who are coping with sudden loss can be especially challenging when you work remotely. But showing compassion, and encouraging people to talk openly and honestly will help you to get through these tough times together, even though you're physically apart.

For more ideas on how to support virtual team members suffering grief or loss, read the article that accompanies this video.