Handling Grief in the Workplace
Grief will always be a part of life. As we near the holidays, it may be a hard time for many people. It's important to understand and be able to navigate grief with both yourself and your coworkers or employees in the workplace.
Managing Grief for You
When managing grief for yourself, the first big thing to do is be kind to yourself. Remember that you may not be at the top of your game for a while and that being emotional is okay. You don’t have to let everyone know what is going on, but being honest about how you are feeling is good. Furthermore, communicating boundaries can give you the space you need as well as allow everyone else to understand where you’re at to help things keep running smoothly. If you’re having a difficult time talking at all, allowing another person to communicate for you may be beneficial. They can tell others about your loss (it doesn't have to be in depth or anything) and if you're open to any discussions. Additionally, keep in mind that many may say the wrong things or nothing at all. This doesn't always mean they don't care, they just may not have experienced what you are going through yet and thus don't know the appropriate way to respond. Another way to help process grief is seeking support. It’s totally normal to take time by yourself and even healthy to process things on your own; but do not forget those around you who love and care about you. Occasionally being with others can help fight off any feelings of loneliness and may even take your mind off the grief for a while. Grief is a testament to love and the relationships we build so don’t push away everyone forever. Even if you aren’t currently experiencing any grief, it is possible anyone around you at work (or even in life) may be going through it themselves. It’s crucial to be able to navigate this compassionately and in the best way possible.
Navigating Grief with Coworkers & Employees
As we mentioned earlier, it's not uncommon for many to be at a loss for words, or even say the wrong thing, when talking to someone about a tragic loss. There are not really many words to be said but how you say things can make a difference. Try out the different phrases below to help aid you in responding to grief situations the best you can.
If you are the manager/owner of a business, see if you can do anything for bereavement leave. Although there is no federal law, (but very few states do have some laws for this), the average company usually offers three to five days. If there is any other way to lighten the load or help accommodate this rough time, that can ease their day to day as well. On the topic of being thoughtful, sending/giving flowers, a gift card, or food can demonstrate that you are thinking of them. Be sure to give them space if they want to talk and respect if they don’t. Also, it’s good to keep in mind that there is no timeline for grief and there should not be strict expectations when they should “feel better.” In fact, grief never really leaves for many and you learn to grow alongside it so it doesn’t feel as big every day.
Understanding Grief for All
Grief will always be a painful part of life but understanding yourself and others will make it easier for everyone who is currently going through these things. Check out this page for a list of help hotlines for you or anyone else who may need it. Remember that you are loved, you have a place in this world, and don’t be afraid to get help if you need it. (:
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