The loss of a loved one is a significant event, bringing such an overwhelming sense of emotion that it can be hard to cope. It gets even more overwhelming when the funeral ends or the memorial is over and it’s time to get back to life. Perhaps, this means returning to work. Dealing with grief in the workplace is a complicated matter, which is why the caring staff at Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home in Greenwich, CT, share their tips for dealing with grief in the workplace.

5 Ways to Cope With Grief at Work 

1. Communicate 

It is essential to communicate with your boss and your co-workers when you experience a loss. Whether you let them know before the funeral or after is a personal choice. However, it’s important to communicate, so they can help make the transition back to work a little more manageable for you. They need to know why you are sad, tired, or less engaged with your work during this time. This puts them in a position to help you better. Your boss may choose to reduce your workload to make things a little less stressful at work. Co-workers may want to help out by taking over some of your work for awhile. Communication at work is the best way to reduce some of the stress with returning to the office.

2. Be Gentle With Yourself

Don’t let yourself believe you aren’t allowed to continue grieving after the funeral. No one can set a timeline for grief. It is a natural process that may take time to work through. Just because your loved ones and friends may seem to have gotten back to their normal lives doesn’t mean you should hold yourself to that standard. Allow yourself the time you need to process the loss you’ve suffered. Don’t feel the need to hide your emotions just because you are at work. Take a few moments during your workday to step away to give yourself time to grieve.

3. Take Care of Yourself

It is easy to disconnect from life when you are grieving. It is important, however, to take care of yourself during this time. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating properly, and doing all you can to stay healthy. Neglecting yourself will only serve to make you feel worse. Doing so could ultimately end up negatively impacting your performance in the workplace.

4. Get Support

You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to friends or close family members for support. Many employers offer support groups to help those coping with the loss of a loved one. Try individual counseling if you feel like it will help. Contact your HR department to see if individual counseling is something they can offer you. Also, many funeral homes provide bereavement support after the funeral. They may be able to provide you with the support you need to navigate the grief process.

5. Choose to Live

Grief can cause you to lose sight of what is important in your life. When you are sad, it’s easy to disconnect from the rest of the world, but it’s important to try to move forward. Do some of the things you enjoy, and visit some of your favorite places. Spend time with friends and family. The best thing you can do to honor your loved one is to live a happy life focusing on the good memories you shared.

Grief does not end once the funeral is over. Returning to the workplace after a loss presents a unique set of challenges, making it hard to perform your best. Following a few steps can make the transition a little less stressful. If you need bereavement support, reach out to the caring staff at Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home. They have provided support services to the families of the Greenwich community since 1846. Give them a call at (203) 869-0315. You can also visit the website for more information.