Grief is often associated with loss; the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant life change. While it is deeply personal, its effects can ripple far beyond someone’s private life, influencing how they feel, think, and behave at work.
Because grief is rarely discussed openly in the workplace, its true impact can remain hidden. But for employers and colleagues, understanding how grief affects people is essential for creating a supportive and productive working environment.
How Grief Affects People and Their Behaviour
Grief isn’t a linear process, and no two people experience it the same way. For some, it may be short-lived and intense, for others, it may ebb and flow for months or years. Common effects include:
- Emotional changes – sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or mood swings.
- Cognitive difficulties – trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, indecision.
- Physical symptoms – fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, disrupted sleep.
- Behavioural shifts – withdrawal from colleagues, reduced motivation, or uncharacteristic irritability.
Even if an employee appears “fine” on the surface, they may still be struggling internally. Grief can also resurface unexpectedly – anniversaries, certain times of year, or reminders in the workplace can trigger renewed feelings of loss.
The Impact of Grief in the Workplace
For the individual, grief can reduce energy levels, impair concentration, and make it difficult to maintain their usual pace of work. Deadlines may feel overwhelming, decision-making can take longer, and social interactions might feel draining.
For the wider workplace, grief can influence team dynamics and overall productivity. If one team member is struggling, colleagues may take on extra responsibilities, potentially increasing stress levels across the group. People may misunderstand behavioural changes, interpreting them as disinterest or poor performance rather than a sign of emotional distress.
Without support, unresolved grief can contribute to longer-term issues such as burnout, disengagement, or even prolonged absence from work.
How Employers Can Support Employees Through Grief
Compassionate, proactive support is key. Employers can:
- Create a culture where employees feel safe to talk about personal challenges.
- Be flexible with workloads and deadlines where possible.
- Offer access to professional support services to help employees process their feelings.
How Acorn Occupational Health Can Help
At Acorn, we understand that grief doesn’t just stay at home, it comes to work with people, shaping their performance, wellbeing, and relationships. We offer several services to help employees navigate grief while supporting the organisation as a whole:
- Management Referrals – Our occupational health professionals assess the employee’s situation and provide clear, practical recommendations to help them remain at or return to work in a sustainable way.
- Listening Service – A confidential space for employees to talk openly about their experiences, with guidance on coping strategies and next steps.
- Counselling Services – Professional therapeutic support to help employees process their emotions and develop resilience during a challenging time.
By addressing grief with sensitivity and the right support, workplaces can protect both employee wellbeing and organisational health.
Contact Us
If you’d like to find out how we can help you support your team through difficult times, contact us on:
📞 Call: 01260 277797
📧 Email: website@acornoh.co.uk