Support to offer?

[Gothambutnotahamster]

A long-standing employee of mine has just lost her husband of over 30 years. It was very sudden and unexpected (heart attack). Just wondering what i should do / offer / give by way of support.

The company is very good and she'll be under no pressure to return to work before she is ready but I'd like to send a thoughtful gift, to let her know we're all thinking of her - just not sure what would be appropriate.

Any advice would be appreciated and hope I've not caused any upset by asking the question. Thanks!

@Gothambutnotahamster Its kind of you to ask this question.
My line manager was, and is, frankly brilliant and her genuine care and kindness has been a massive source if support to me in the year or so since my DH died suddenly.
What she did and does is check in frequently, and allowed me to be absolutely honest about how I am doing and feeling. She’s seen me a weeping snotty mess and is not uncomfortable with this, which really is valued.
In the early days my sleep was shot to pieces so she allowed me to start work when I was ready. Although fortunately I wfh and the job is flexible. She shifted my caseload around as needed and I always know she’s got my back.
In terms of a gift, as a family we appreciated some frozen meals from Cook. ( you can buy vouchers) and some sleep spray was nice too.

Thank you - that's helpful. So sorry for your loss also. I cant imagine the physical shock to the system when something like this happens.

My boss was utterly useless when I had a bereavement (in my case it was dd rather than Dh but still immediate family).

Here’s what would have helped me…

Check in regularly but let her know she doesn’t need to reply. Offer to meet up outside the office when she is ready. Assume your company is better than mine, but assist with doing anything official to get her as much time off as she needs (My company insisted I got signed off with stress to take more than 7 days off). A food gift like Cook vouchers rather than flowers. A phased return when she is ready, and talk to her ahead of time about things like how she would like colleagues to be when she returns (would she like to talk about what’s happened or will that be too hard etc).

Thanks @anicecuppateaa & so sorry for your loss also.