Grief in the Workplace
Grief does not pause when work continues. Many people experience profound loss while still expected to perform, communicate, and meet professional responsibilities. Whether the loss is personal, such as the death of a loved one, or work-related, such as the loss of a colleague, redundancy, or trauma in the workplace, grief can have a powerful impact on emotional wellbeing and job performance.
Grief in the workplace is real, and it deserves understanding, compassion, and support.
Understanding How Grief Affects Work
Grief can affect concentration, motivation, communication, and decision-making. You may feel pressure to “carry on as normal,” even when internally everything feels overwhelming.
Common experiences include:
- Emotional exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering tasks
- Low motivation or energy
- Irritability or withdrawal
- Anxiety about performance or job security
These are normal responses to loss and emotional strain.
Workplace Loss and Professional Identity
The workplace is often more than a job. It can be a source of structure, identity, stability, and social connection. When grief enters this environment, it can affect:
- Confidence in professional ability
- Relationships with colleagues
- Sense of purpose and contribution
- Feelings of safety and trust at work
When a colleague dies or leaves suddenly, a shared sense of loss is often felt across teams and organisations.
The Challenge of Grieving While Being “Functional”
Many people feel they must hide their grief at work to appear professional. This emotional suppression can make grief heavier and more isolating over time.
Grief is not a weakness. It is a human response to loss.
How the National Grief Advice Service Can Support Employees and Employers
The National Grief Advice Service offers confidential support for individuals and organisations affected by grief in the workplace. We understand the delicate balance between professional responsibility and emotional wellbeing.
Support for individuals includes:
- A safe space to talk about grief
- Emotional coping strategies
- Support with work-related anxiety and pressure
- Guidance through returning to work after loss
Support for organisations includes:
- Guidance on compassionate workplace policies
- Support for grieving teams
- Training for managers and HR professionals
- Grief-informed workplace wellbeing support
When to Seek Support
You may benefit from support if:
- You feel emotionally overwhelmed at work
- Your performance or attendance has been affected
- You feel isolated or unable to speak openly
- You are carrying grief in silence
Early support can protect both wellbeing and professional confidence.
A Culture of Compassion at Work
Grief does not make you unprofessional — it makes you human. Healthy organisations recognise this and create space for compassion, understanding, and emotional safety.
The National Grief Advice Service is here to support healthier, more compassionate workplaces.
