Abstract
Using a narrative lens this project will examine how organizational practices influencedthe experience of grieving for two individuals. As the literature review will show, most
grieving adults return to the workplace while still actively grieving. Returning to work
while grieving is not only difficult for the griever, as shown through my interviews, but
can also impact organizational effectiveness. This qualitative narrative study will explore
the lifecycle and impacts of grief for two employees from two different workplace
settings, and an analysis of the data collected will show how organizational practices
influenced the experience of grieving for those returning to work within two weeks of the
death of a biological parent. The aim of this study is to give a voice to the bereaved about
their experience of returning to work while still actively grieving. These stories can then
be shared with organizational leaders and aspiring organizational leaders to become more
familiar with the many organizational dynamics that impact the griever in the workplace.
This dissertation in practice is important because the findings can help to inform and
provide guidance for leaders interested in facilitating a workplace culture that is prepared
for those grieving.
Keywords: grief, bereavement, narrative, employee support, workplace culture,
caring response