Loss is a part of life, and we all will face it over our days. Everyone grieves differently, and while you have privacy at home to recover, going to work is a different story.
Some days are better than others, but your life has to continue, even though you would rather be alone to process your emotions and feelings. Your job can be challenging, especially when coworkers are around, so you need strategies for coping in this environment.
Dealing with grief at work can be very tough, but it helps you get back to your life again. Have these in your arsenal for when you feel overwhelmed while on the job, and take comfort that you are not alone. Those who care will comfort you and make your time at work a little better every day.
Here are some ways for how to deal with grief at work.
Be open and honest with your boss and coworkers
Most people you work with will know about the reason for your grief. Even so, it is important to communicate with them about how you are dealing with it. This doesn’t mean sitting down with them and telling your story but informing them that you are struggling and may not come in daily or be as productive for a little while.
This helps them know where you are and includes them in your healing process. They will better understand your absence and give you a supportive environment as you heal.
Get counselling
Meeting with a grief counsellor will help you recover from your grief, but they can also give you strategies for returning to work. These trained professionals will help with your emotional recovery and transition back to your job, so seek them out and set up some appointments. They will help you accept the reality of your loss and process the pain as you adjust to the new world around you, both at work and at home.
Once you start working, a counsellor can help you navigate work-life balance and advise you on responding to coworkers wanting to talk. Best of all, they don’t cost a fortune. Affordable grief counseling is a popular method for those who need to deal with grief at work.
Take breaks when needed
Living in your new reality can be very challenging, and often, you need some moments during the day to release emotions. Go for a walk during your breaks and let out any tears you’ve bottled up. If you have some sick days banked or vacation time left, consider using them to shorten your work week.
Hopefully, your employer will understand and allow for a transitional period to get back to full-time. Returning to work lets you balance regular life duties with your need for downtime to heal.
Adjust your expectations
Understand that you have experienced a major event in your life, and it takes time to adjust. You won’t have the same focus at work because you are grieving, so give yourself a little slack.
Communicate with your boss and tell them you are doing your best, but your productivity may drop slightly. They should understand and support you through it. You don’t want to put added stress on yourself, so take it slow and do what you can.
Share with close coworkers
When you return to work, you don’t want people tiptoeing around you. This creates an awkward work environment and isn’t good for your stress level. While you want most people to leave you alone, having someone to talk to is vital to healing.
You probably have a few close coworkers you can confide in. They will be there to listen to you and be a sounding board for your feelings. Lean on them during this time, and thank them for being there for you. This open dialogue with someone close helps you process your feelings and return to your new normal.
Have an escape route
Those feelings of grief can hit you at any time of the day, regardless of what you are doing. While at work, this can be challenging, so you need to be prepared to get out of a situation and take a quick break. You don’t want to panic now, so being prepared is the key.
Know how your technology works in case you need to pause a conversation on the phone or turn off your camera and mic during a video call. Find a safe space to go to if you feel overwhelmed. This could be a bathroom on another floor or a rarely used stairwell.
Park your vehicle nearby to take a quick break and catch your breath. Having these escape routes and plans will keep you safer and more confident while at work, knowing you have a place to be alone for a few moments.
