Kally invited me to write another guest post and this time she would like me to address the topic ‘How to handle grief in the workplace, when your colleague passed away. Honestly, I cringed a bit, an automatic response to the word grief. However, I also immediately knew I would agree to do it. Since grief might not be an easy topic to talk (or write) about, however, it is part of life. Denying life is finite, is not a healthy habit.
Symptoms of grief
We can grieve for many reasons, mostly because we lost a beloved one. Who could be a family member, a friend, a mentor, even a pet and unfortunately also a colleague. Death and grief are not easy topics to discuss, because we all know they are connected to feelings. Pain, sadness, anger and/or disbelief are often the first emotions we have to go through. On a physical level, the loss of someone we appreciate a lot can also be noticed. Tears, headache, flu-like issues, fatigue, insomnia are probably recognizable symptoms for everyone.
Coping with Grief in the Workplace
Depending on your personal relationship with death, the time you need to grief will differ. In addition, a sudden death will, in general, cause larger shock in comparison to the loss of someone who has been terminally ill for a while. That will be no different when losing a colleague.
Especially during the first months, a literal void will be felt. Even when another person takes over the responsibilities, a new person sits behind the desk: the absence of the peer will be highly sensed. Direct colleagues most likely need more time to adjust to the new normal. Crucial is going to be giving each other the space and time to cope with this void.
It is Ok to Cry, Feel Down and Grief
Maybe a few days off, maybe to talk regularly about the deceased, maybe a memorial for the department is a necessity. We all handle grief differently. In addition, culture, religion and spirituality are factors to consider in how we respond to death. Don’t judge the way your co-worker (or anybody) needs to grief. Be a listening ear when needed and be honest when you don’t know how to respond. Be aware that not everyone likes to be hugged all the time: ask what the grieving peer needs.
Social Support
As long as your boss, co-workers and/or yourself are able to continue focusing on the job, to adjust and return to their natural selves, there is no need to step in or involve a professional skilled helper. Still, social support is important. Remind each other of all the beautiful, funny and special moments shared. Again, allow each other to retreat and/or not discuss the situation, the emotions.
Natural Outcome of Life
Life is finite. We need to accept this, to be able to cope with the loss of a beloved one. Don’t suppress the emotions and at the same time realize you will always be reminded of the person who passed away. The physical pain will decrease over time, the emotions may overwhelm you unexpectedly, even after several years have gone by.
Death is a natural outcome of life. Therefore, let us create wonderful memories, both in the workplace and beyond. We never know when we will need them ; -)
Patty Wolters
very well put.
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Thank you so much for letting me know you like the post. Have a sunshine day!
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These are good insights. Thank you for sharing them. It is am important and unavoidable topic.
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Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us in this comment.
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A very thoughtful and moving post, Patty (and Kally). There are times when I have used both peer support and professional support in such moments. Sometimes, I haven’t handled such moments well either, but made sure to redeem myself all the same regarding such situations. Allowing people to mourn, is very important. Letting them know it’s okay, equally so. Yes, to creating lasting memories 😊
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If you need a listening ear, you can reach out to either of us, Sean. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us in this comment.
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Thank you Kally. I really appreciate such posts and the supportive blogging that you are both doing,
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Good one Kally, 💝 pandemic have taken lost of lives and people needed such posts right now.👍 Well done 🖋️
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Thank you so much Simon for sharing your thoughts with us in this comment.
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Beautiful,
As a Christian I believe that “it is not so much how we live; but how we die that matters in the end.”
That is a somber thought; but it is also reality.
Life if a GOD-Test for all of us; believers and unbelievers as well.
The Only reason for life is its opportunity to prepare for death.. In other WORDS; God Created each of US for His reason. Denying this reality has no effect on the outcome of our lives; only our deaths. Amen
May WE all Rest In God’s Peace. Amen
Patrick
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Thank you so much Patrick for sharing your thoughts and blessings with us in this comment.
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Very well said
maam.
Visit https://innsightt.wordpress.com
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Thank you!
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Wise words. Thank you. I know there are many who will need the reassurance that it is all right to feel their grief.
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