With over 64,000 impressions, more than 450 likes, 105 comments and 13 reposts this is a LinkedIn message that has hit a Nicola Green Consultancy record for interaction and it was nothing to do with menopause in the workplace! But actually, maybe it was…
My intention was to raise awareness for those going into work on Monday morning, following the weekend University drop off, and needing some support. The comments, the emotion, the togetherness, was not only beautiful, but so very supportive.
I was most inspired by the sharing, empathy and understanding for each other. Those that had been through it were providing reassurance to those who were anticipating the drop off and also individuals who were willing to share the impact this stage of their life was having at home and at work.
It was great to read of the supportive colleagues within the workplace for many, but so very sad to read that this was not the case for all, and one describing the fact she was laughed at when showing emotion at work.
People want to share, they want to be able to bring their whole self to work and I want to help them do so.
I’ve spent the past year grieving the fact that my daughter was planning to go to University. Some would question this and I would hear comments such as; “Why would you grieve for a child that is still here?” “Aren’t you just proud of her achievements?” “You’ve done your bit, now it’s over to her”. I heard the comments, I understood why people would have those opinions and of course I was extremely proud of her plans for the future, but it didn’t mean that I wasn’t hurting. I was, and still am, grieving that part of my life that has changed. I didn’t feel alone in this process, but I did know that the way I was feeling differed from others around me and that was okay. I accepted that, but could they?
We all have different relationships with our children and the impact on us will be different and even quoted as “Whilst my child wasn’t the easier to bring up, I’m surprised at how much I miss their presence and I was not prepared for the ‘empty nest feeling’ and never really thought there was such a thing”.
Grief shows up in many different forms, impacts us in many different ways and some days we can manage it and other days we really struggle.
Grief has been lived in many different ways throughout my career and within the workplaces I’ve had the privilege to support. About a year ago I knew this was a topic I needed to help address.
“Changes or endings to what is familiar to us can cause feelings of grief.” The words of Jill Attree – Grief and Loss Specialist.
Grief, in its many different forms, is in the workplace and many businesses, managers and colleagues are not understanding or supporting it in an empathetic way and ultimately this is of detriment to their business culture, productivity and employee retention, engagement and loyalty.
How does this topic even link into menopause?
Many go through a grieving process when they go through menopause. I don’t feel this is a process that I have or will go through, but I know my Mum certainly did. For her, even though she didn’t have any intention of having another baby, it made her grieve the part of her life that was over.
There were many comments within my post that referred to menopause exasperating the anxiety and feelings around their child going to University.
Masking
Many mask their grief and I’ve seen this time and time again in the workplace and I’ve been that person. Individuals feeling that they just have to get back to work and get on. Don’t get me wrong, for some, it is the best way for them to cope, but for others maybe not.
Business expansion through grief
Over the past year I have also worked on various different areas of business expansion and I am delighted to say they are all coming to fruition!
My belief has always been that if I work with clients who are open and willing to address a topic such as menopause in their workplace then they will feel the same about wanting to understand and support in other ways.
To my absolute delight my most recent expansion has been to support my clients with a presentation addressing and supporting grief and loss in the workplace.
In development of this additional area of support I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jill Attree – Grief and Loss Specialist. I’m at my best when I’m presenting and now I get to present even more, and alongside Jill, to support my clients further.
This presentation will help individuals consider and change their approach, at home and at work, to death, dying, grief and loss and will be particularly valuable to managers.
Please keep an eye out for further details or get in touch to discuss.
