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Returning to Work While Grieving

Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. • Mar 15, 2021

Returning to work when you’re still grieving the loss of a loved one can be difficult. Learn strategies to help you cope and deal with the new emotions in a healthy way.

Funeral homes in Bethlehem, PA, enter your life after loss. After the memorial, when regular life begins again, you may have to think about returning to work. Some people may find it easy to return quickly to the normal work-life after the death of a loved one but for many, it’s still the hardest thing to do. Bearing this in mind, we have outlined a few tips to help you make the transition slightly better.

1. Speak to Your Colleagues

Refrain from presuming that all your coworkers know what has happened to you. You probably have been in contact with the HR department, your boss, and close friends, but that doesn’t mean that the word will get around before you return to the workplace.

Speak to your boss and teammates about what has recently befallen you. The grief of losing someone often leaves us tongue-tied or at the loss of words and we end up saying nothing at all. But you have to make a point of informing your peers about your grieving before or after returning to work.

Using social media is the best way to do that.

2. Expect the Unexpected

A reality of our society is that many people don’t know how to react around death or people who are grieving. Be ready to face unexpected - rather awkward – questions from your colleagues.

Instead of getting upset or angry at your colleague for an apparently indifferent attitude, find a way to avoid such questions or change the topic.

3. Encourage Small Talk

Many grieving people tend to avoid talking to anyone; well, it can’t be achieved at a workplace since you have to carry out a plethora of small tasks. Never run away from having short, pleasant chats with your colleagues, as these conversations go a long way in expediting the healing process and bringing you back to normal life.

Also, you’re bound to face questions like, “how are you”, “what you’ve been up to”, “hope, you’re doing well”, and many more. Think of some standard replies to these common workplace questions – that should also deflect the conversation if it’s leading to your personal matters.

4. Plan Your Escape Route

Regardless of how much you try to hide your emotions, you’re bound to have bouts of grief and sorrow – and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. The littlest can things can trigger memories of your loved one that could overcome you.

You should plan what to do if you find yourself crying all of a sudden or need a few moments alone. The nearest restroom, staircase, café, or any private space where you could go to compose yourself.

5. Craft Strategies to Stay Focused

Lastly, you should find ways to stay productive in the workplace. Grief can take a serious toll on your ability to stay focused and undertake day-to-day tasks. Even the simplest and easiest of projects seem insurmountable at times.

Craft strategies to breakdown your tasks and take a short break after every couple of hours can help you ward off any distractions you could experience while grieving the loss.

Funeral homes in Bethlehem, PA, are where the process begins.

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