Who says grief isn’t showing up at work?

We often assume grief is something that happens “outside” of work — a private, personal experience.

But grief doesn’t check your calendar. Divorce, the death of a loved one, a miscarriage, serious illness, or family estrangement all follow employees into the office, silently shaping how they show up each day.

The truth is, grief is invisible until it isn’t. People may be physically present but emotionally absent — struggling to focus, meet deadlines, or engage with their teams. Research shows that over 75% of adults feel they lack adequate support after a major loss, yet workplaces rarely account for it.

Think about it: how often do we pause to consider the quiet weight our colleagues may carry? Divorce, for example, brings emotional upheaval that affects concentration and decision-making. Losing a loved one, dealing with addiction in the family, or navigating a serious health challenge has similar ripple effects. These experiences influence behavior, communication, and productivity, yet they often go unnoticed.

Leaders and teams alike tend to reward presence over awareness. But just because someone is at their desk doesn’t mean they are truly “present.” Grief shows up in small ways, delayed responses, withdrawn conversation, lack of energy, and the cost is felt in engagement, collaboration, and workplace culture.

It’s time to look around and ask: who is really present today, and who is carrying unseen burdens? How we respond, with empathy, connection, and awareness, defines the culture we create. Grief is universal, and its impact is real. Acknowledging it is the first step toward supporting people in ways that matter.

Because grief doesn’t disappear at the office door. And neither should our humanity.