Finding Support Through Grief: EAP Webinar and Employee Resources

🌿 EAP Webinar

EAP Webinar Highlight | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST

Grief can be a complex and ongoing experience, especially in the years following widespread disruption and loss. This Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webinar focuses on prolonged grief, now recognized in the DSM-V, and provides tools to help individuals understand, cope with, and heal from grief in healthy, supported ways.

---

🧠 About the Webinar

This interactive session will cover:

• Definition and recognition of prolonged grief
• Cognitive, emotional, and physical effects of grief
• How grief impacts daily functioning and well-being
• Evidence-based coping strategies and treatment options
• Available resources for ongoing support

Participants will gain practical tools to support themselves and others while building resilience through difficult experiences.

---

📅 Webinar Details

🕐 Date: 05/27/2026 Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST
📌 Registration:

• Create an account at MyLifeExpert.com
• Use Company Code: MSU

💡 EAP services are available 24/7/365 for immediate support, including 6 free counseling sessions per person, per concern, available to full-time and part-time employees and members of their household. Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year: 314-729-4600 #2 or 1-800-413-8008 #2.

---

💚 Bereavement Leave Support (Policy 7.9)

Missouri State University provides bereavement leave to support employees during times of loss. Eligible employees may be excused from work with pay, with supervisor approval, in accordance with Policy 7.9 Bereavement Leave.

When additional time is needed, employees may coordinate with their department to use available sick or vacation leave as appropriate.

---

⚖️ FMLA & Mental Health Support

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may be used when an employee experiences a serious health condition or needs to care for a qualifying family situation. This can include mental health conditions related to grief, such as depression, anxiety, or the need for ongoing counseling support.

FMLA can be used in two ways:

• Continuous leave – a block of time away from work
• Intermittent leave – leave taken in separate, as-needed periods (for example, to attend recurring grief counseling or therapy appointments)

✔️ Basic FMLA Eligibility (General Overview):

Employees may qualify if they:

• Have worked for the University for at least 12 months
• Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months

FMLA provides job-protected leave and is generally unpaid, but employees may use available sick or vacation leave concurrently when appropriate.

For questions, eligibility review, or assistance with the FMLA process, please contact Denise Lofton.

---

🌱 Final Thought

Grief does not follow a predictable timeline, and support needs can change over time. This webinar offers an opportunity to better understand prolonged grief while connecting employees with tools and resources that support healing, resilience, and long-term well-being.