Grief: Tip #3

In this month’s newsletter, I am speaking about assumptions!

DON’T ASSUME: While it is easier to make assumptions than take the time to ask, asking is the only way to know and understand what is really going on.

Understanding Grief in the Workplace:

Workplaces can sometimes feel like a maze of assumptions. But when it comes to dealing with tough topics like grief, assumptions can make things harder. This month, I want to share a lesson that really hit home for me: the power of asking questions instead of making guesses.

I've heard stories about people covering up their grief because there is a certain expectation that this topic is not meant for the office. Leave your feelings aside when you are at work. I have seen so many people having tough times at work, especially when they can’t find someone close to talk to. Instead of getting the support they need, they find a lot of whispers and assumptions about how one should show up. For this reason, people often think that they are helping by staying quiet on this topic, making the person grieving feel even more alone.

I was fortunate to have colleagues around me who had been through this journey and were very comfortable in asking me how I was doing even during the anticipatory loss phase (which I learned about once I started to educate myself on this topic) and after the loss of my mother 2.5 years ago. And having support from coworkers made all the difference on how I felt true to my feelings and sharing. Their simple question opened the door to a conversation that I really needed. It showed me that I didn't have to handle my grief on my own. I am very grateful that I had the support at my workplace in many ways.

However, there were a few awkward moments where some of the senior management who I worked closely with didn’t even care to ask me how I was feeling? That had felt not very awkward then but also, I had to learn compassion to say that these people might not have experienced a loss before and/or the stigma of refraining to talk about the topic at workplaces.

I personally chose to write about the topic of grief and educate people because I have greatly learned and seen how unprocessed grief stays in our bodies and can be detrimental to our well-being in all aspects of life. The more we can connect and talk about critical topics like this, the better we are doing for our society.

Thinking back on that time, I realized how important it is to ask questions. When we take the time to ask, we show that we care about what someone else is going through. We create space for honest conversations and make our workplace a more supportive place to be.

o, this month, I want to encourage you to practice asking questions. Whether it's checking in on a coworker who's going through a tough time or just making sure you understand something clearly, asking is key. Let's break down those walls of assumption and make our workplace a better, more understanding place for everyone.

A Monthly Tip for Navigating Grief: Don’t assume!

Empowering yourself with the skillset of Asking Questions instead.

Work can be tough, especially when dealing with personal challenges like grief. But as coworkers, we can make a big difference by offering support in simple ways.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Regular Check-ins: Show you care by asking "How are you?"

2. Active Listening: Give your full attention when they speak.

3. Offer Specific Help: Suggest concrete ways to assist.

4. Respect Boundaries: Give space if they don't want to talk.

5. Educate Yourself: Learn about grief and other challenges to be a better ally.

With these tips, we can create a workplace where everyone feels supported, even during tough times. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and growth. Let’s navigate grief with compassion, leaning into active listening in both personal and professional spheres.