may we? let's start a conversation
a subscription chat: a private space for us to hang, converse, comment & connect. maybe even change the way we talk about the hard stuff at the office? you in?
Hi friends. I’m announcing a brand new addition to my Substack publication: barri grant | permission granted — The Subscriber Chat.
A place to show up and bring all of yourself, your questions, concerns, topical queries, brags and wins —- and all of your griefy good stuff. (And with that — a gift and forever discount!)
This is a conversation space exclusively for subscribers—kind of like a group chat or hangout at my kitchen table. I’ll post resources, questions and updates that that I think would be scoopy, interesting and important — and you can jump into the discussion. Maybe start one too! I am always open to what’s on your mind.
I am from the thinking that “when I tell my story, you see your own.” I see this wisdom exchange unfold in my support circles. I hope it is the same here!
This all stems comes from a conversation started on IG about workplace grief. I posted a video about a guy returning to work after his dad died. He was on a podcast (seven years after the loss) reflecting on how his co-workers showed up, or did not. It broke my heart. The comments show us that we have a lot of opinions about grief in the workplace. When I offered the ways in which we might show up for one another — folks were saying private lives should be kept private in the work space. I know there are two sides to this coin. It’s a great discussion topic, no?
Are you camp — It’s none of anyone’s business? I don’t want to be asked about my loved one at work, thanks very much.
Or
Do you want to share a bit about your loved one and loss during office hours?
I believe when we show up as our 360 degree selves, we open the door for empathy, humanity and connection. Maybe it is as simple as reading the obit and saying — “sorry about your loss. Sounds like your dad had an amazing advertising career.” Or drop them a condolence card and the offer you ear?
Can we do our jobs and support a grieving colleague? Cogs in the corporate wheel who can leave our personal life at home? Or prefer to?
It’s what we have been made to believe and I hope we can change the conversation and bereavement leave policy.
Having 3 days off on average for a personal loss? Do you know what your workplace offers? Let me know what you find out in the chat.
Hey, did you know that your paid subscription here helps fund scholarships to my support groups? I don’t believe anyone should grieve alone, and started my stack with this in mind. Today I am offering a special. A forever discount that gets you into the conversation with a gift from me to you — and that gift helps support another. Will you pay it forward today and join the community?
This offer is to support Mental Health Awareness Month and good till the end of May.
Hope to see you in the chat — and continue the conversation about the workplace and loss.I want to know your thoughts…
x, Barri
here is a little help on how to get started
Get the Substack app by clicking this link or the button below. New chat threads won’t be sent sent via email, so turn on push notifications so you don’t miss conversation as it happens. You can also access chat on the web.
Open the app and tap the Chat icon. It looks like two bubbles in the bottom bar, and you’ll see a row for my chat inside.
That’s it! Jump into my thread to say hi, and if you have any issues, check out Substack’s FAQ.