EMPTY NEST SEASON Pre-Grandchildren Chapter: FINDING NEW PURPOSE
Parents can suddenly feel a void in their lives and a sense of loss when their children leave home. They may feel they have lost their purpose. Employees may view this stage as an ending versus a new beginning. Some also struggle with marital closeness and question their partnerships. Employers can play a vital role in providing opportunities to reenergize employees struggling with having an empty nest.
Challenge
Source: https://www.unitegroup.com/articles/what-weve-learned-about-empty-nest-syndrome
• 98% of 1,000 parents of first- year students felt “extreme grief” when their child left for college. • 17% had felt physical symptoms of grief, such as panic attacks, sleeplessness, a racing heart or illness. Same percentage said they had cried uncontrollably. • 3 in 10 said they were drinking more alcohol, while 34% had used or would use a helpline to help them.
Importance
• More than one in six respondents said they were worried about the stability of their relationship now that their child had left.
GOOD
BETTER
BEST
Check in with empty nesters on a regular basis, be a good listener and provide encouragement. Send information to employees about Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for complimentary support services.
Offer empty nesters additional responsibilities that match their skillsets and talents to increase their sense of purpose, e.g. classes/certifications, community involvement. Form an internal employee support group for empty nesters.
Provide financial assistance for mental health counseling and/or marriage counseling. Provide “empty nest leave” (similar to maternity/paternity leave and focused on self-care and resetting).
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Antidotes
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Host an empty nesters retreat.
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• Outsource options: Consider a massage, spa, gym or book club membership for empty nesters. • Resources for Employees: How to Rethink Your Career as an Empty Nester by Anne Sugar – https://hbr.org/2024/05/how-to-rethink-your- career-as-an-empty-nester; Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life by Jim Burns, Ph.D.
Additional Resources
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