Going Back to Work After Bereavement

Returning to Work After Bereavement

Mental Health

Returning to Work After Bereavement

Throwing yourself into work is a common reaction to bereavement, as it can be an effective distraction to keep you functioning. It’s an easy way to feel productive in spite of a tragedy and gives you a break from grieving. However, with your attention on ticking the next task off your to-do list, there’s less room for intrusive thoughts and processing your emotions. Striking a balance between these is so important when you’re preparing to return to work.

In this blog, we’ll look at different stages of grief and how you can manage these when returning to work.

How to cope with the stages of grief

Even if it is expected, the wave of shock and grief that hits us when a close loved one passes away is immeasurable. No two experiences are the same. Fear of loss of control, uncertainty about a flood of emotions and questions about how you will cope are all common reactions.

Psychologist J. William Worden outlines the Four Tasks of Mourning to illustrate the stages of grief we go through. These aren’t felt in one particular order, but they are typical stages we all experience in order to reach acceptance and closure.

Accepting the reality of the loss
If you feel comfortable doing so, talking with your co-workers in an informal setting about what has happened can help you to maintain connections. Retreating away during this time and avoiding contact is tempting, but remember to make the most of your support network.

You might want to take a break from big projects or tasks whilst you focus on the practicalities of bereavement. Accepting that your performance won’t be the same as before, at least for a short while, will help you to rid yourself of fear and judgment.

Processing the pain of grief

Taking breaks and time for yourself to express natural grief reactions is vital to the healing process. It’s normal to experience feelings such as:

  • Shock
  • Fear
  • Guilt
  • Anxiety
  • Isolation
  • Fatigue
  • Distraction
  • Lack of concentration
  • Despair

Don’t be so hard on yourself if you’re finding it hard to manage these feelings alongside your job. It can be helpful to talk to those you trust and who understand.
As we mentioned, this process is not linear and will be different for everyone depending on the circumstances. It’s common to feel this in waves over time, with holidays or special dates triggering your emotions again. Focussing on the present moment by using mindfulness techniques can help you to feel more comfortable about any distressing or upsetting feelings you may be experiencing.
If you need additional support, there are a number of charities that can offer support and guidance.

Adjusting to change

Living in a world without the deceased can feel like you’re taking on a new identity. Things aren’t the same as they once were, but life goes on. Learning to adapt and adjust to big changes takes time, but it’s not impossible. You could try:

  • Easing yourself back into your schedule
  • Asking about flexible working options
  • Learning new skills or hobbies that your loved one enjoyed
  • Coming to terms with changes in your routine one day at a time
  • Sharing with colleagues what support you would find helpful

Creating a balance

There is a fine line between grieving and continuing to live a full life. Some days at work will be easier than others. Ultimately, grieving in a healthy way involves giving ourselves permission to grieve whilst also looking ahead to the future and continuing to function, even if it’s in new ways. Whilst this can seem daunting and challenging, especially if you’re juggling work and home life responsibilities, there is support available to help you through this time.

You’re not alone

Our course Working and Grief can support you if you have experienced a close bereavement and are ready to return to work. With our motivational messages, easy-to-follow guidance and expert advice, you’ll feel less fearful at the prospect of seeing your co-workers. You’ll soon be able to shift the balance between the time you spend grieving and time living.

Explore Wellness Support
write, blogger, message-2160925.jpg

More Articles

Shopping Basket
Close

 

Paul – Lead Account Manager

Working alongside Dr Yates, Paul ensures that services are well organised, accessible and delivered with care.

Paul oversees client relationships and supports the smooth running and development of YPS, helping individuals, families and organisations feel confident and supported from first contact onwards.

Paul’s focus includes:

  • Building strong, steady client relationships
  • Ensuring services are clear and easy to navigate
  • Supporting the growth and stability of YPS creating welcoming experiences that feel calm and reassuring
  • Web development, and videography
  • He ensures that YPS remains grounded, responsive and is focused on helping people move forward with confidence.

Paul leads on client relationship management, service coordination and organisational development. Paul works closely with schools, families and partner organisations to ensure clarity of communication, timely delivery and high service standards.

He supports referral pathways, contractual arrangements and long-term partnership development, helping ensure services remain consistent, reliable and professionally delivered.

Outside of work, Paul’s main passion is Walking Football. He plays for East Devon, Devonshire County, and South West County. His biggest achievement is having trials with the Over 50s England Walking Football group in 2025. He also enjoys restoring and driving classic cars. 

Close

Joseph - Assistant Psychologist

BSc Hons in Tourism Management, Tourism, and Business Management, MSc Psychology Conversion, MSc Occupational Psychology

Working under the clinical supervision of Dr Yvonne Yates, Joseph supports the assessment and development of psychological services across the organisation.

Joseph’s work focuses on:

  • Supporting psychological assessment processes
  • Assisting in the preparation of structured reports
  • Contributing to the development of wellbeing and learning resources, and delivering training
  • Supporting data organisation and research-informed practice
  • Assisting with service delivery coordination

He has a strong interest in evidence-based psychology and values clarity, structure and ethical practice.

Outside of work, Joseph enjoys spending time with his springer spaniel, Willow, and going for long walks with her and the family. When he can, he hits the ski slopes on his snowboard, and he also likes ice-skating. 

Close

Dr Yates - CEO, Lead Psychologist

HCPC-Registered Educational Psychologist | Founder, YPS Psychology Ltd

Dr Yates has speciailist expertise in ADHD, depression, anxiety, learning differences (SpLD), and emotional wellbeing with children, young people, and adults.

She holds a Doctorate in Psychology (University of Manchester) and has extensive experience delivering:

• Educational psychology assessments, including ADHD and SpLD
• Mental health assessment and therapy
• Social skills and emotional regulation support

Dr Yates has worked in public organisations, including, schools, the NHS, and local authorities, and in private practice, for universities, colleges, and therapy healthcare bodies, such as, AXA PPP and Bupa. 

She is the author of Human Givens Therapy with Adolescents (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) and has published peer-reviewed research on adolescent wellbeing.

Her approach combines evidence-based psychology with practical, real-life strategies that help individuals feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to succeed at school, university, and work.

Outside of work, Dr Yates is an avid crocheter and is also quite partial to silent discos. She looks forward to spending evenings by the fire, and watching movies with the family whilst creating her latest crochet piece.