It is a tricky situation returning to work after a huge loss because at work, life 'goes on'. As your entire world is crumbling and falling apart, everyone else's world is continuing as they always have, regardless of what's happened to you. It's hard to join them in that world when you feel so empty.
About the author
Harley Cunningham
When Harley returned to work, she realised there was a significant lack of support for bereaved employees.
Determined to make a positive impact, she shared her story and developed a new bereavement support strategy to help others in similar situations to ensure that employee needs are met with compassionate and effective support. She now works with the HR team to bridge the gap between employee needs and company support.
We asked Harley to reflect on her own experience and share her tips and recommendations for returning to work after the loss of a baby or babies. You can reach out to contact her by email.
Returning to work can feel surreal as everyone around you is carrying on as normal. Some companies provide bereavement leave, although it's often only three to five days. It's worth trying to understand whether you can reduce work hours or leave work altogether for a while. You might be able to take some unofficial time off. Even so, you might need to go back to work before you're ready.
You may feel anxious in the days before you return. There's a dilemma in your mind - do I tell people? Do I not tell people? Do I get someone else to tell them? Should I sit everyone down when I get there and be open and honest about what has happened (which is a very brave thing to do)? How do you want people to treat you?
There's no right answer on what you should or shouldn't do. This guidance offers tools, options and strength to ask for what you need. If you're an employer or a colleague, this will help make the return to work as easy as possible for your staff.
