A more humane workplace: responding to child welfare workers' personal losses

The personal losses of employees, such as the death of a family member, divorce, or serious illness, can diminish work performance and increase stress. This study surveyed 106 child welfare workers on the type of personal loss they experienced; the kinds of benefits and emotional support they received from their employing organization, supervisor, and coworkers; their expectations; and potential problem areas. Eighty-five percent of the workers endured a loss during their current employment. They received the most help from their coworkers, followed by their immediate supervisors, and then the employing organization. Those suffering a loss would have liked more emotional support, acknowledgment of the loss, and a longer leave of absence for recovery than they received.