Grief in the workplace: how to deal with the loss of a co-worker
Published on August 1, 2023
Grief is truly one of life’s hardships and is never easy to overcome. But when it's a co-worker or employee who dies, the emotions can be complex to understand and manage.
We all spend a considerable amount of time at work. That's why we must never underestimate the grief that follows the loss of a co-worker. Everyone will experience this hardship differently, and it will definitely have an impact on the dynamics of your work group.
Whether you're an employee or a manager, find out more about how to deal with grief in the workplace by reading this article.
You've lost a co-worker
Whether your relationship with your co-workers is purely professional or friendly, they are an important part of your life. You spend many days a week with them. You share successes. You go through stressful times. You face challenges together.
You're members of the same team, so even if you weren't as close as you might be with a friend or relative, the death of a co-worker can affect you.
As with any other type of grief, some people will feel it immediately, while others will experience it later, once the shock has worn off.
It's perfectly normal to feel a void following the loss of a co-worker. It's always hard to see someone go without having had a chance to say good-bye. Since that person was part of your daily life, you may feel their absence more intensely at certain times or events.
Your reaction to this loss may differ from that of your other co-workers. Be aware that neither you nor they are going through this in the "wrong" way. You all have different experiences and you all had a different relationship with that person. What's more, not everyone expresses their feelings in the same way.
Your emotions, like theirs, are equally valid and will subside over time.
It's also normal to feel less productive at work following the loss of a co-worker. Motivation is likely to be lacking and you will probably find it hard to concentrate.
If your sadness becomes too much to bear or if you can't get back to your normal work pace after a while, don't hesitate to talk about it with a co-worker or your manager. Your employer will certainly be able to provide you with services to help you through this hardship.
You've lost an employee
Are you a manager or business owner? When an employee dies, of course, you also lose a co-worker. However, you must also look after the well-being of the rest of your team and support them through this hardship.
If the death was caused by an accident at work, this can be traumatic for your employees, but also for you as well. Psychological support is not to be neglected in a grief-stricken situation at work, especially when the death is work-related.
Above all, don't put the psychological support of your team on your shoulders. For your sake and theirs, it's important that you call on the services of a professional.
Nevertheless, you can take the initiative of offering your team a space for dialogue where everyone can express their feelings about the hardship, without feeling judged. You can also offer your team time off to recover.
With regard to the family of the deceased, it’s important to respect their wishes and privacy. It's always a good idea to send a floral arrangement or other gesture of support to the deceased's loved ones. However, if they prefer to hold the funeral rites among a smaller gathering of people, you must respect their choice.
Coping with loss while life goes on
It's important that the memory of a deceased co-worker doesn't become a taboo subject. Rather than avoiding the subject, it can be positive to recall the good times you spent together, the successes you shared and other happy memories.
As with any kind of grief, there will be "firsts": the first team meeting without the deceased, the first customer presentation, the first Christmas party... Even though the loss will always be there, it will fade with time.
In conclusion
While everyone reacts differently to the death of a co-worker, everyone needs time to grieve. If you've lost a co-worker, find out what resources are available at your workplace. You don't have to go through this alone.
Sources:
http://asstsas.qc.ca/sites/default/files/publications/documents/OP/2018/op411015.pdf