Most of us spend a huge portion of our waking hours in the company of co-workers. We go through triumphs and trials together, argue, and laugh together just as much as the average family. So, when a colleague dies from an infectious disease we’re bound to feel a range of complex emotions. There’s fear that we may be next, a sense of isolation from feeling left out of the family’s grieving process, and intense grief at the loss of a familiar friend.

It’s difficult to deal with these emotions, especially since colleagues aren’t generally viewed as part of the deceased’s close friends and family, and often lack access to the support systems offered to these people.

Here’s how to get through it in one piece.

Work Together

It’s up to the deceased’s colleagues to support each other during difficult times like these, just like they do at work.
Managers must ensure that they keep open lines of communication with their staff, offering support and consolation as much as they can.

Since nobody better understands their mutual grief, co-workers need to band together, supporting each other any way they can. Stay in touch with your colleagues and don’t avoid the issues at hand.

Talking about your emotions and sense of loss is an important part of moving forward from grief.

Take it Easy

From a practical aspect, there may suddenly be a lot of extra work to go around. Help to spread the load amongst yourselves, so your company can keep ticking along.

However, guard against throwing yourself into work to hide from grief and ‘keep your mind’ off things. Nobody expects top performance out of anyone right now.

Take a little time to catch your breath and process your emotions before resuming your usual workload.

Avoiding your emotions will only draw out the process and can have harmful and lasting psychological effects. Always talk to a counsellor if you feel overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness and sadness.

We’re Here for You

It’s especially difficult to share these trying times with your colleagues when you’re all working from home. Stay in touch with them via email, zoom, and WhatsApp.

Holding a virtual memorial service for them online can also help everyone find closure. You can also post a tribute to them on our page, to recognise their contributions to your workplace and your life.

Keep reading our blog for more information on how we can all get through these trying times together.