Grief at Work: Finding Balance and Support

Balancing work while grieving can feel impossible. The emotional weight of loss affects focus, energy, and motivation—but many workplaces don’t acknowledge how deeply grief impacts employees. So, how do you navigate work when you're struggling, and how can companies create a culture of support? In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly sits down with Janet, founder of The Motherlove Project, to discuss the challenges of grieving while working. They explore why grief doesn’t follow a schedule, how it affects mental and physical health, and what workplaces can do to better support employees through loss. Janet shares her personal grief journey and provides real, actionable advice for both employees and leaders. Whether you’re grieving or want to better support a coworker, this episode is filled with valuable insights on navigating grief in the workplace. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify! What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 The emotional and physical toll of grief on employees 🔹 How to advocate for your needs at work while grieving 🔹 Practical ways managers and coworkers can offer real support 🔹 The role of compassionate leadership in workplace healing 🔹 Strategies for balancing grief, work expectations, and self-care Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle If you’re looking for a supportive community where you can share your grief journey and connect with others who understand, join The Grieving Gracefully Circle! This space offers encouragement, resources, and a place to heal together. 👉 Join here: Grieving Gracefully Circle About Janet: Janet has spent over 20 years helping organizations manage change and tackle complex issues. After experiencing deep personal loss, she founded The Motherlove Project, a global platform for motherless daughters. She’s also the co-founder of Bloomwell Partners, which helps workplaces become more compassionate and grief-informed. Janet holds master’s degrees in Arts and Public Administration from Queen’s University. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with her partner Meghan and their two daughters. Resources & Links: 🌍 Bloomwell Partners 🌍 Motherlove Project Let’s Stay Connected! 📲 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully 📲 Facebook: Grieving Gracefully Community 📲 LinkedIn: Kelly Sammon