How to Return Back to Work After a Death
Returning to work after a death can be beneficial but difficult. Well-meaning co-workers may re-open wounds and emotions may be stressed while trying to keep up professional appearances. Planning for your return to work can help make the transition smoother and give everyone the opportunity to express sympathy and thanks without fanning the fires of grief.
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Instructions
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Appoint a friend and co-worker as your information liaison. When the death occurs and you are planning the funeral, have one friend at work spread the news about the death as well as the funeral plans so that you don't have to take calls and go over and over the details immediately, and when you return to work.
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Stop in for lunch before returning to your regular schedule. Making an appearance a few days before you return to work for a lunch or meeting will give your co-workers a chance to express their sympathy and you a chance to grieve with them without the pressure of getting back to business.
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Send out an email upon your return. When you return to work send an email to your co-workers to thank them for their support and to alert them to your return. This allows you to interact with your co-workers without having to thank them all individually and revisit your grief over and over.
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Keep organized by making lists of important deadlines and meetings. Undoubtedly your mind may be distracted so dive back into your regular routine and keep on task by creating lists to insure you don't miss important meetings.
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Allow yourself time to break down. Even with your emails and visits your co-workers may still want to support you by asking how you are doing. You may feel a lot of stress so give yourself a break by going out for lunch or removing yourself to the rest room when overcome by emotion.
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Talk about it but don't dwell. It's good to talk about your grief and loss, but you don't want to make it the center of your interactions. Respond to questions briefly, but while at work, try to concentrate on work.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to take off all your allotted bereavement time. Even if you feel like you are dealing with your grief well and want to get back to work, take the time off to spend with family and friends to alleviate your grief and get you back on track sooner.
Don't give out all the personal details of your special person's passing. Too much discussion about it at work will upset you more and may make co-workers uncomfortable.
