Why Grief Needs More Than a 3 Day Policy

Grief doesn’t disappear after three days of bereavement leave—and for many of us, it lingers quietly in the workplace, where conversations about emotional pain are often avoided. On this powerful episode of Groove with Portia, I’m joined by Dr. Jennifer Levin, a nationally recognized grief expert specializing in sudden and unexpected loss, including suicide, traumatic death, and illness.

We talk about the emotional realities employees face when returning to work after losing a loved one. Jennifer explains how 25 percent of the workforce is grieving at any given time and how that grief often looks like anxiety, burnout, lack of focus, or quiet withdrawal. We also talk about why grief needs to be integrated—not managed—and how company leaders can create compassionate, grief-informed spaces without waiting for tragedy to strike.

Jennifer shares the framework behind her company, Traumatic Grief Solutions, and the five steps she teaches organizations to prepare for, respond to, and support employees navigating grief. We also reflect on what not to say to someone grieving and how offering specific help can make all the difference.

She also gives insight into her workbook and online course designed to help individuals heal from traumatic loss, currently available at 50 percent off using the promo code EARLYBIRD.

If you’re a grieving professional, a leader in the workplace, or someone who just wants to do better by those who are hurting, this episode will shift how you see grief—and how you support others through it.

Connect with Jennifer Levin: https://therapyheals.com/