Grief is a natural and challenging emotion, especially when experienced in the workplace. As an employee navigating grief, it’s important to understand how it can affect you and important to have strategies in place to cope effectively. In this article, we will discuss how grief can manifest in the workplace and provide practical steps on how to manage your grief while maintaining your professional responsibilities.

The first step in dealing with grief is to recognize how it may be showing up for you and how it may be showing up for you in the workplace. Grief can manifest in various ways, below are a few ways that grief can present itself in your work environment.

Decreased Concentration: You may find it difficult to focus on work tasks, leading to decreased productivity.

Emotional Responses: Grief can cause intense emotions, such as sadness, anger, or numbness, which can impact your mood and interactions with colleagues.

Physical Symptoms: Grief can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, or stomach issues, which can affect your ability to perform effectively.

Whether you are navigating the loss of a coworker or a lifelong friend, coming to work can be very difficult. Below are some steps that can help with your experience so that you are able to maintain mental wellbeing as you navigate this process.

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions, whether it’s through journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking professional help.

Communicate with Your Supervisor: If you feel comfortable, consider talking to your supervisor about your situation. They may be able to provide support or make accommodations to help you cope.

Take Breaks When Needed: Listen to your body and mind. If you need a moment to yourself, take a short break to regroup and recharge.

Seek Support: Reach out to your support system, whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist. Talking to others can help you process your grief and feel less alone.

Practice Self-Care: Take care of yourself by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. Self-care can help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being.

Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries to protect your emotional energy. It’s okay to say no to extra work or social engagements if you’re not feeling up to it.

Grief is a challenging emotion, especially in the workplace, but by acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, and practicing self-care, you can navigate this difficult time with resilience and compassion for yourself. Remember, it’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. If you are currently navigating grief and you are finding it hard to keep up with your daily routines, we would love to help. Your EAP benefits allow you to talk to a counselor free of charge to assist you during this difficult time. You can reach out to us at 518-465-3813 to set up an appointment.

By, Denelle Abel, LHMC, EAP Clinical Supervisor