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Loss happens. It’s part of life, just as crisis, births, big and small events. And while our worlds stop for a bit as we pick ourselves back up after the loss of a loved one, it seems work continues. In office environments where politics are the new normal and personal advancement tends to matter more than cooperation these days, how should one react to a co-worker in grief? Do we drop our guard and freely empathize with them? Or do we keep everything “professionally correct”? Do we cut them some slack, or act as if business is going on “as usual”?

My $0.05: Frankly, all this “political correctedness” stuff at work has made us forget we are human after all. Show compassion and empathy, offer a sympathy card signed by everyone, go out of your way to show you care, that’s just what people do. Also acknowledge this person may not be in their best state of mind, so if you can offer to alleviate their workload, do so. After all, a caring workplace is a better workplace!

How do you react towards a grieving co-worker?

The Corporate Sis.