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Grief is a deeply personal and challenging experience that affects individuals in various ways.

It can manifest as sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, or difficulty concentrating. Some people may prefer to keep busy at work, while others may need time away. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and it’s important to respect each person’s unique process.

Working through grief

Returning to work while you’re grieving can be a particularly challenging time so it’s important to be kind to yourself.

• Establishing a daily routine can help provide a sense of stability.
• Be patient with yourself as healing takes time.
• Focus on small, manageable tasks.
• Take care of yourself by eating well and exercising.
• Prioritise rest and allow yourself to take breaks.
• Seek support and let others know what you need.

How to support colleagues going through bereavement

When a colleague is going through bereavement, it can be difficult to know how to offer support. Grief can sometimes feel like an uncomfortable subject but in times of loss, small acts of understanding can make a world of difference.

• Give them time and space to share their situation at their own pace, don’t press for details if they are not ready.
• If they choose to talk, let them share as much or as little as they want without interruption or judgement.
• Choose an appropriate time and private setting to have a conversation, away from high-stress work situations or busy environments.
• Small gestures like covering a task, checking in with them, or offering to grab lunch can provide comfort and ease some of their burdens.
• Be mindful of anniversaries and triggers, certain dates or events may bring up emotions. A thoughtful acknowledgement can show you care.

Find more guidance and advice about supporting someone who is grieving.

Support available for staff

The Employee Assistance Programme is available to provide support to you if you need it. More information on support for bereavement from Health Assured. If you would find comfort in the Chaplaincy, you can contact them on 01509 223741 or by emailing chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk. 

Information on the University’s compassionate leave policy.

The following organisations offer specialised services that could help you cope with bereavement:

• At a loss – find bereavement services and counselling across the UK.
• Child Bereavement UK – offers support if you are bereaved after losing a child.
• Child Death Helpline – helpline for all those affected by the death of a child. 
• The Compassionate Friends – find support for bereaved parents and their families.
• Cruse Bereavement Support – offers face-to-face, telephone, email and online support for anyone who has experienced a loss.
• Dying Matters – resources to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.
• The Good Grief Trust – a charity run by bereaved people, helping all those experiencing grief in the UK.
• Hub of Hope – database of mental health services in the UK, including community, charity, private and NHS mental health support.
• The Loss Foundation – offers support to people who have lost someone to cancer.
• Samaritans – if you’re struggling you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 to talk about anything.
• Sands – information and support for anybody affected by the death of a baby.
• Sue Ryder – offers bereavement support, including ways of finding bereavement support online.
• WAY (Widowed and Young) – advice for people who have lost a partner before their 51st birthday.

Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming wellbeing webinars. The next webinar on the topic of ‘Dealing with Grief in the Workplace’ will take place on 14 May 2025.