The article below was written by colleagues at LawCare and we are pleased, with their permission, to share it here.
Grief is a personal experience that can affect anyone at any time. There are many different ways we might grieve, which can make it challenging to recognise in the workplace, especially if people feel they have to hide their emotions. It’s important to acknowledge and support colleagues who have suffered a loss, as it can seriously impact their wellbeing and performance at work.
Understanding different forms of grief and loss
Grief is usually associated with the death of someone very close, such as a parent, partner, sibling or friend. Workplaces often understand this and can offer support. However, grief can arise when we lose someone who wasn’t as close, like a colleague, client, or professional contact, and the impact can be harder to recognise.
Miscarriage is a significant source of grief. This loss can be intense, yet it’s often misunderstood or dismissed, particularly for men who may find it difficult to discuss their feelings.
The loss of a pet can also have a profound impact, comparable to the loss of a human family member for some. The guilt of having to make the difficult decision to euthanise a pet can add another layer of complexity to the grieving process.
Feelings of grief and loss can also arise at other times, not just when someone dies. For example, people may feel grief in advance when they know a loved one is facing a terminal illness or dementia. This kind of grief can be prolonged and particularly tough, especially if the person is also dealing with the stress of caring for that person.
No matter what causes feelings of grief and loss, it’s important to create a supportive environment where everyone feels safe sharing their experiences and getting the help they need.
Insights from LawCare’s helpline
LawCare’s helpline provides valuable insights into how grief can impact people working in the legal sector. Common experiences include:
- Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted: Grief can make you feel overwhelmed, exhausted and affect your ability to handle routine tasks and responsibilities.
- Worsening of other issues: If someone is already feeling overworked or anxious, these feelings can intensify after a loss, making it even harder to cope.
- Pressure and expectations: There is often pressure to keep going, no matter what life throws at us, especially in the legal sector where expectations are high. People may feel they have to hide their emotions and push through, leading to a lack of rest or even burnout.
- No set timeline: Grief doesn’t follow a precise schedule and it’s important to know there is no “right” way to grieve. It can come and go or change over time and can be triggered by anniversaries, a favourite song, or on hearing some other difficult news.
How to support colleagues who are struggling
- Offer support: A simple “How are you doing?” or “Is there anything I can do to help?” can be comforting and shows that you care. It also gives people a chance to talk about their feelings if they want to.
- Be considerate of personal preferences: People react to workplace activities and interactions in different ways. Some might want to avoid social events or need time alone, while others might find comfort in joining in. Be aware of how certain situations or conversations might affect someone who is grieving.
- Follow up: Grief doesn’t just go away after a certain time. Keep checking in with colleagues and friends, even after the initial loss. Ongoing support is important, as the way we experience grief may change over time.
- Avoid assumptions: Everyone deals with grief differently. Don’t assume you know what someone needs or how they feel; listen carefully and ask how you can best support them.
- Encourage professional help: If you are worried about a colleague, suggest they talk to a GP or a mental health professional for extra support.
Find further support
If you or someone you know is having a hard time with grief, extra help is available. Counselling, therapy, and support services can offer valuable assistance during difficult times. For confidential support, consider reaching out to LawCare or Cruse:
- LawCare: Call 0800 279 6888 or email support@lawcare.org.uk . Live chat is available on www.lawcare.org.uk.
- Cruse: Call 0808 808 1677 or visit www.cruse.org.uk for more information.
On Thursday, November 7th from 12.30 to 1.30pm LawCare is hosting a free webinar “Let’s talk about grief and loss” for those working in the legal sector.