This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
On September 20, 2019, the Nation published an article by LILYS NJERU on grieving at the workplace, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and dealing with the loss of a colleague.
According to Tabitha Mwai, a relationship coach and author of Grieving and Healing after Loss, grief is a complex emotion that can only be fully grasped by way of experience. There is no template or standard way of processing loss, and this process depends entirely on one's personality, background, and support system.
Tabitha shared her personal experience of losing someone close to her, which motivated her to write the book. She aimed to help others deal with the pain of loss, and her book provides a unique perspective on grief and healing.
When dealing with the loss of a colleague, it's essential to acknowledge the emotions and take time to grieve. This can be done by sharing feelings with fellow colleagues, participating in rituals such as memorial services and funerals, and taking time off work to spend with the family of the deceased.
Some people may find it helpful to seek the services of a counsellor or to find ways to honour their colleague, such as keeping a photo on their desk or embedding their favourite quote in a notebook.
Ultimately, how one reacts to a colleague's death depends on the relationship they had with the deceased or the circumstances that led to their death. By acknowledging the loss and taking time to grieve, individuals can find healing and move forward.
