Beyond Bereavement Leave: Rethinking Grief Support as a Strategic Business Priority (with Dr. Jennifer Levin)

2025-12-29

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss grief in the workplace with Dr. Jennifer Levin, an expert in traumatic grief and sudden loss. Topics include: Why Jennifer pursued a fellowship in Thanatology, the study of death, dying, and bereavement How that expertise informs Jennifer's work with organizations facing loss in the workplace What makes sudden or unexpected loss different from other types of loss The emotional and financial costs of sudden loss in the workplace What leaders can...

In this episode, JoDee and Susan discuss grief in the workplace with Dr. Jennifer Levin, an expert in traumatic grief and sudden loss.

Topics include:

Why Jennifer pursued a fellowship in Thanatology, the study of death, dying, and bereavement
How that expertise informs Jennifer's work with organizations facing loss in the workplace
What makes sudden or unexpected loss different from other types of loss
The emotional and financial costs of sudden loss in the workplace
What leaders can do to rebuild psychological safety for employees feeling unsafe and disoriented after traumatic loss
How organizations, teams, and leaders can best support employees in the immediate aftermath of sudden loss
Common missteps organizations make in these situations
How organizations can emerge from loss stronger and more connected

In this episode's listener question, we're asked about best practices for executive compensation programs that are balanced and drive the right priority and focus. In the news, we discuss a survey about American's lunchtime work habits.

Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-237-beyond-bereavement-leave/

A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-237-beyond-bereavement-leave/

To get 0.5 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on December 29, 2026)

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