We help teams through grief — whether from death, diagnoses, divorce, or layoffs — with empathy.
At Bloomwell, we equip teams and leaders with grief-informed tools, language, and practices - so your workplace can respond to loss, transition, and change with compassion and purpose. Because how we show up for each other at work matters.
Leadership is human. So is loss.
Grief shows up at work in many forms, whether personal or collective, sudden or gradual, visible or invisible, suddenly or slowly. Most leaders strive to do the right thing, but often feel uncertain about how to respond with care and clarity.
That’s where we come in.
We co-founded Bloomwell to support teams and leaders with the emotional insight and practical tools they need to lead through life’s most difficult moments - with empathy, not avoidance.
We’re not just professionals in grief, loss, and organizational change - we’re grieving hearts too. Both of us, Mekel and Janet, carry our own lived experiences of profound loss. Bloomwell is rooted in those stories, and in the belief that workplaces can become more supportive, connected, and compassionate - one conversation at a time.
The cost of ignoring grief at work
Employees who feel cared for are 60% more likely to intend to be at their organization in 12 months. - MetLife’s Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Survey, 2024
〰️
Loss
〰️
Grief at work
〰️
Invisible loss
〰️
Change
〰️
Burnout
〰️
Return to work
〰️
Compassion
〰️
Empathy
〰️
Human-centric
〰️
Manager training
〰️
What to say
〰️ Loss 〰️ Grief at work 〰️ Invisible loss 〰️ Change 〰️ Burnout 〰️ Return to work 〰️ Compassion 〰️ Empathy 〰️ Human-centric 〰️ Manager training 〰️ What to say
How we help you lead with empathy.
From coping to connection
Grief is not a personal issue that stays at home, it moves through people, teams, and entire organizations. Research shows that loss, whether personal (death, divorce, illness) or professional (restructuring, layoffs), has measurable effects on employee engagement, communication, psychological safety, and team dynamics.
At Bloomwell, we help organizations do more than “manage” grief. We equip them with the language, literacy, and leadership practices needed to embed compassion into the everyday fabric of work. Grounded in evidence and informed by lived experience, our training and consulting offerings are designed to build emotional intelligence at every level, turning life’s hardest moments into opportunities for trust, connection, and lasting team cohesion.
✔ Increased Emotional Intelligence
Grief education helps normalize complex emotional experiences at work, reducing isolation and stigma. With tools rooted in psychology and organizational research, we help teams move beyond discomfort and toward mutual understanding. The result? Healthier, more human workplaces.
Reference: "Grief at Work: The Role of Supportive Leadership" (SAGE, 2024)
✔ Reduced Turnover and Retention Risk
Employees are more likely to stay in organizations that acknowledge they’re allowed to be human at work too, especially during times of personal hardship. Our approach helps leaders offer meaningful support, fostering trust and long-term commitment.
✔ Increased Engagement and Belonging
In today’s competitive marketplace, empathy is not a “nice to have”, it’s a must have. When employees feel seen and supported, their connection to the team deepens. Our grief-informed approach improves trust in leadership, strengthens alignment, and reinforces a culture of care.
✔ Supportive Workplaces
Grief-informed workplaces have supportive policies and practices in place before an employee experiences a loss. Our approach helps you embed emotional intelligence into leadership systems, people practices, and everyday operations. This is the groundwork for cultures that can help employees grow, even in the face of adversity.
✔ Supportive Reintegration
Grief doesn’t disappear when someone returns to work. Without support, it can quietly impact focus, energy, and team dynamics. We help leaders understand how loss affects performance, and how to respond in ways that support both the individual and the team.
Our training equips managers to recognize the ripple effects of grief and implement practical, preventative measures that ease transitions, reduce disruption, and support reintegration. The goal isn’t to “fix” grief - it’s to foster environments where people can show up, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported through changing circumstances.
Meet the Founders
Mekel Harris
PHD. NCSP, PMH-C, CAGCS
CO-FOUNDER
A Tennessee-based licensed psychologist, speaker, and grief expert with 20+ years of experience helping people navigate and thrive in life’s imperfect moments.
Janet Gwilliam-Wright
M.P.A.
CO-FOUNDER
A seasoned change leader with 20+ years in organizational strategy and policy. Founder of The Motherlove Project, Janet brings a global perspective to grief support and culture change.
University of British Columbia
•
British Columbia Funeral Association
•
Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
•
University of British Columbia • British Columbia Funeral Association • Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia •
OUR PARTNERS:
Team & Leadership Training
Build emotional intelligence and confidence.
Help your people support one another through life’s hardest moments, with grace, skill, and empathy.
Grief & Loss Workshops
Interactive, accessible sessions on understanding grief in the workplace and how to support grieving colleagues.Manager Essentials Program
A six-module training series that helps managers lead with emotional intelligence, communication skills, and clarity during times of loss.Custom Leadership Development
Grief-informed coaching and facilitation tailored to your leadership team’s needs.
Culture & Policy Consulting
Embed care into the way you work.
We help you align your policies, practices, and leadership approach with your organization’s values, especially in times of transition or loss.
Bereavement Policy Reviews
Ensure your HR policies reflect empathy, clarity, and real-world support.Crisis & Change Response
Strategic support during layoffs, death of a team member, or other major disruptions.Grief-Informed Program Design
Co-create internal programs or initiatives focused on mental health, grief, and workplace wellbeing.
Speaking Engagements
Start meaningful conversations.
Book us for keynotes, panels, or internal events to spark dialogue on grief, empathy, and what it means to lead with heart.
Keynotes & Conferences
Engaging talks on workplace grief, resilience, and emotionally intelligent leadership.Internal Events & Offsites
Add a grief-informed perspective to your team day, leadership retreat, or mental health initiative.
“Janet and Mekel bring a deep sense of authenticity, compassion, and expertise to a topic that is often overlooked but deeply human. Their workshops are a perfect balance of practical and thoughtful.”
Erica Altomare | University of British Columbia, Workplace Wellbeing Learning Specialist
Ready to bring more care to your culture?
Every team faces change, challenge, and loss. It’s how you respond that defines your culture.
At Bloomwell, we partner with organizations ready to lead with more empathy, clarity, and confidence. Whether you're navigating a specific moment of transition or building long-term emotional intelligence into your leadership, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk about what your team needs, and how we can support you.