• Returning to work after someone has died can be really, really hard.
• Don’t push yourself. Taking some time out to look after you is important.
• Grieving can be exhausting both emotionally and physically, leaving you with little energy or motivation for anything else.

To tell or not to tell

Having to tell people can be really hard – especially if you have to repeat the story a few times. You may not want to tell everyone that your parent or sibling has died. Plus you might not want to be treated any differently.

But if you are finding things too hard, letting your managers know might mean they cut you some slack. It will also help you to not have to pretend all day that everything is okay.

But be prepared for some people to think you should be ‘back to normal’ after a certain time. Many people just don’t get the fact that the grief journey lasts a long time.

Other help

In most workplaces you will be entitled to at least 2 days ‘bereavement leave’. You will have good days and bad days. Don’t be afraid to ask for time off.

Check with your supervisor, manager or human resources manager about your rights when it comes to taking time off.

A lot of work places have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides free, confidential counselling to staff. You might find this is really useful after you go back to work.

Don’t be afraid to take advantage of whatever is on offer to help you get through these tough times.