Session Description: Grief does not stay at home when employees come to work. Whether caused by the death of a loved one, serious illness, divorce, caregiving responsibilities, job loss, or other major life transitions, grief impacts employees every day, and organizations are often unprepared to respond.

In this session, Slater challenges organizations to stop avoiding grief and start leading with compassion. Through personal storytelling, research-backed strategies, and actionable tools, participants will learn how to recognize grief and loss in the workplace, respond to employees with confidence and empathy, and build a culture where people feel supported during life's most difficult moments. Attendees will leave with practical, sustainable approaches for prioritizing human well-being while focusing on the bottom line.

If we do not talk about grief in the workplace, who will? Thank you for joining the conversation. Today, you are helping your organization take a meaningful step toward compassionate, people-first leadership..

Speaker Bio: Slater Heglin is a leadership speaker, Certified Grief Coach, nonprofit founder, and workplace advocate passionate about helping organizations support employees through grief and life transitions. He serves as Assistant Vice President – Customer Service, Marketing, and Training at Grant County Bank in Southwest Kansas, where he leads retail operations, employee training, and marketing initiatives.

Slater holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education with a concentration in Talent Development and a Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University. He currently serves as the College Relations and Emerging Professionals Director for the Kansas SHRM State Council and was recognized with the 2025 Kansas SHRM Rising Star Award for his contributions to the HR profession.

He is also the Founder and President of Keep Life Jumping 4 Kay, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer and grief. Through speaking, advocacy, and education, Slater helps leaders respond to grief with confidence, compassion, and practical action.