Funeral directors, Knowledge Hub
Returning to work after the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering if you’re ready, what it will be like, whether you can cope, and if your employer will be supportive.
There is no set timeframe dictating the right or wrong time to go back after bereavement. Grief affects everyone differently – for some it may be weeks, for others many months. Crucially, don’t rush this transition before you’ve had the necessary time and space to grieve properly.
Speak to Your Employer About a Phased Return
Having an open conversation with your manager or HR contact is key prior to returning after bereavement leave. Every workplace should have a formal written bereavement policy in place explaining leave provisions.
Explain honestly how you’re feeling and discuss options like gradually easing yourself back via a phased or gradual return to work across fewer days or hours. This allows you to readjust without suddenly confronting full demands.
Your employer has a duty of care to make reasonable accommodations supporting an employee’s return to work while grieving after the death of someone close. Be reassured there are always solutions like temporary part-time hours or workload adjustments that can be explored.
Make Use of Your Full Leave Entitlement
While most employers provide between 3-5 days of paid compassionate leave, do not feel compelled to return once this allowance gets used up. You may be eligible for additional paid or unpaid parental bereavement leave, sick leave or holiday time off from work.
If you need more time, communicate openly with your manager about taking unpaid leave or temporarily reducing your hours. No one should ever feel forced back to work before they are emotionally ready following a significant bereavement.
Use Company Support Resources
Many larger organisations have free access to an employee assistance programme (EAP) offering confidential bereavement counselling and practical advice on navigating grief’s challenges.
If available, make use of this valuable resource as you transition back or whenever overwhelm surfaces later on. Do not struggle alone if difficult emotions ever start affecting your work.
Ease Yourself Back Gently
On your first day back after losing someone you love, be extra gentle with yourself. Grief can mean exhaustion, anxiety and difficulty concentrating – so managing a full workload will seem tough initially.
If doing a phased return, use those initial days to ease yourself back in slowly. Tackle simpler tasks before attempting more demanding ones. Take regular breaks to recharge. Don’t worry about not instantly performing at your usual capacity.
Be Open With Colleagues
Let close colleagues know you are returning after a recent bereavement, so they understand if you seem withdrawn or get upset occasionally. Give them guidance on how best to support you – whether that means lending a listening ear or respecting your privacy.
If speculation circulates on why you were away, don’t feel pressured into discussing details. Simply say you needed some time out to handle a personal matter. Those who care about you will understand.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Coping with grief and work’s demands simultaneously is hugely energy-draining. This makes sufficient self-care essential – so don’t neglect your fundamental needs.
Make time for healthy food, light exercise, restorative sleep and relaxation. Don’t overload your schedule outside of work. Pull back if you feel close to burnout and speak up if extra support would help long-term.
Stay Connected With Bereavement Support
Even once back at work, stay plugged into your bereavement support network – whether that’s through local groups, online forums or one-to-one counselling.
Getting involved with charities related to your loved one’s illness can help transform pain into purpose. Just recognise that grief’s path has peaks and troughs, so remain patient with setbacks.
Plan for Anniversary Reactions
Often the one year anniversary of a death or what would have been their birthday can trigger challenging memories and plunges in mood at work or home. Give yourself permission to take time off around these emotionally-loaded dates.
If the run-up to them feels difficult, speak to your manager about workload adjustments or more flexible hours for a period. Never feel alone in navigating painful milestones.
When to Get Further Support
If intense grief persists months later and continues severely impacting your work focus or relationships, seek help from your GP or a bereavement charity like Cruse.
Unresolved complex grief may require deeper counselling or therapy to reconcile. Know that support is out there – and with time plus compassion, healing is possible.
Contact Joseph A. Hey & Son Experienced Funeral Directors
Here at Joseph A. Hey and Son, we have long supported Bradford families through bereavement’s painful journey with care and empathy. If you require any guidance on funeral arrangements or managing grief’s challenges, rely on our dedicated team. Reach out today on 01274 571021.