Boss's Dad Died...

halliekathleen · November 2012

My boss's dad died over Thanksgiving weekend. I am not close with this person and have only spoken to her maybe 10 times this year besides the "hello how are you". When I see her, do I say something? I have never had a family member die except a grandma and grandpa but that's different than a father but I would think coming to work and having every single person say something would be overwhelming. But maybe it feels supportive for people to acknowledge the death by actually saying "I'm sorry" instead of a card? Should I send a card? What if I don't see her until later in the week? Should I make a special trip down to her office?

TIA....

ridesbuttons · November 2012

I'd get together with some coworkers and send flowers or make a donation in the father's name to an appropriate charity.

ETA: several of my employees attended my dad's funeral, but we are a small company and fairly close knit.

halliekathleen · November 2012

We have a sunshine fund where we all pay 30 dollars at the beginning of the year to pay for births, deaths, and sicknesses/surgery. So I should do something in addition to that?

GrayGhost13 · November 2012

I think a card would be nice and let her know you're thinking of her without putting her on the spot.

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha · November 2012

Hmmm...

I wouldn't make the trip to her office just to offer my condolences. Not unless I was close with her (which clearly you're not). I would however tell her I'm sorry for her loss the first time I see her when she's back in the office. Then I would get together with co-workers and give her a card and flowers. If there's already a fund in place in your office for this type of thing, I would not try and raise more money. I would probably chip in if someone asked me, but I wouldn't be the one to start it - I'd let someone close to her do it.