[proteanmix]

I really think this depends on the person.

One of my coworkers returned to work yesterday after the death of his mother. I knew nothing about it because no sent out an email or anything. He was upset no one from work called him to comfort him or send him their condolences. He was said I work with you all 40 hours a week and none of you picked up a phone to call me or email me. He was very upset. My other coworker responded she'd be mortified if coworkers started calling her.

I guess it's figuring out how the person typically responds in times of lesser crises so you'll have an idea of how they're respond in a major situation. I know I'm the type of person that will seek out a trusted person to talk to. Other people withdraw to digest on their own. If I know that when something happens somebody closes off I let them and offer that when they're ready to communicate I'll be available. Others I just prepare of the onslaught because I know they talk it out.