Here is my question.

Is it common practice for HR to notify employees of the death of a fellow employee's loved one?

I ask this because where I work, a fellow employee's 16 year old son died 4 days ago. Nothing was said to us by HR or this woman's boss. People are very upset by the silence of this information. They all work very closely with her and feel they should have been told. Instead they found out through word of mouth 2 days after it happened as did I. If it was her wish that no one be told that would be one thing, however HR has not received that request from her. Shouldn't we be told so that we can offer cards and support? Please let me know what the common practice is in a case like this. Thanks!

I would say it is best left up to the family who is told and is who is not. There is no reason for the employees to feel left out. It is a personal choice. After the employees are informed (through the newspaper obit, or someone else) they can then offer their condolences in a timely manner.

No company is required or responsible for giving such notice. Some companies have "sunshine" clubs that handle such annoucements, like births, weddings, birthdays and deaths. Unless such a function exists in the company I would not expect the company to make such an announcement.

Unfortunately most companies don't offer this type of information. If the employee wishes this known, they would inform their friends at the company. Usually though, this is information that comes through the company grapevine.

Half of the people in the World would post that this information was given out and they wanted to sue the employer; the other half are upset that the information was not given out.

When my husband died I advised his friends at work and left it up to them to make any announcements. I did not ask the company to do it.

I realize you are upset because you were late in hearing the news, but please remember that it is never too late to express your condolences. Please don't feel like you missed the window of opportunity to send a card or flowers.