How to Support a Grieving Coworker

It can feel impossible to find the right words to support someone experiencing grief. When that person is a coworker, you’ll want to offer gestures of kindness to help them manage energy levels, focus, and stress in the workplace. 

Stay with us as we unpack the best ways to support a grieving coworker. 

Don’t Intervene Without Asking

While you may want to offer help right away, don’t assume that your grieving coworker wants that. Everyone processes grief differently, and some people prefer alone time 

Always ask your coworker if they need help or want anything before inserting yourself. Give them an out, too. Adding “Or would you prefer to be alone?” to a line of questioning helps them know you respect their needs

Make Specific Offers

Rather than offering to help or listen, make more concrete offers to your coworker. They will be mentally tired, and you don’t want to put them in the position of coaching you. 

Maybe you could fill in during a shift so your coworker can have some time for rest and other forms of self-care. Or perhaps you can bring them a meal, attend a meeting on their behalf, or jot down notes about a new product launch. 

Provide Temporary Workload Changes

When someone is going through a painful period, it can be difficult to focus and work efficiently. Managers should understand this and make temporary accommodations. 

Providing flexible work hours or even remote work, for instance, can help an individual manage their grief more effectively. Managers can temporarily lighten a worker’s load or reassign difficult tasks. Offering these adjustments for a few weeks while a coworker is grappling with grief can help them ease into a normal routine again. 

Make a Thoughtful Group Gesture

Banding together with other coworkers to support a thoughtful gesture can mean a lot to someone grieving. You could all chip in for meal delivery funds or sign a beautiful sympathy card.

Sympathy flower arrangements can be another excellent option. Fresh flowers offer aesthetic beauty and calming scents. Your coworker will feel supported when they receive a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers on their desk or at their home. 

When in doubt, consult with your coworker’s family to see what they think is appropriate. Be compassionate and considerate in your tone when writing messages or speaking with your coworker. 

Be Consistent with Your Kindness

Once your coworker has attended a funeral and a few weeks have passed, it’s easy to forget that they may still be struggling. Grief doesn’t follow a linear path. And your coworker may be struggling, even if it isn’t obvious.

Reach out to your coworker occasionally in the weeks that follow. Ask them if they’re okay, and invite them to talk with you when needed. When you’re consistent with your kindness and show understanding, they’ll feel valued.

Support Your Coworker

Dealing with grief at the workplace is never easy. Show your coworker support by offering concrete forms of help or giving them flowers. Help ease their workload, and follow up with them to ensure they’re okay.

Honoring someone’s grief can help them feel seen. With a thoughtful approach, you can help your coworker manage their responsibilities well during a difficult time.