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A colleague has lost someone close. How do we support them at work?

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Last updated 10 November 2026

Someone is strugglingFor Managers, Peer Supporters

Need help now? Call 1771 (national mindline) · 1767 (Samaritans of Singapore) · Danger to life 995

In short

Acknowledge the loss, make specific offers of help and keep checking in over the following months. Grief does not follow a timetable, so be patient and flexible with leave and work.

Grief can affect concentration, energy and mood for months, often long after colleagues have moved on.

What to do

  1. Acknowledge the loss A simple “I heard what happened, and I’m so sorry” is enough. Saying nothing can feel to the person as though the loss is being ignored.
  2. Make specific offers For example, “I’ll cover Tuesday’s briefing this week if that helps.” This is easier to accept than “Let me know if you need anything.”
  3. Ask what they want colleagues to know Some people want the team told. Others want to keep it private.
  4. Be flexible about leave and work Consider extra leave, flexible hours or lighter duties for a few weeks, and agree these with the person.
  5. Check in over time Check in after the first few weeks and around difficult dates such as anniversaries, not only in the first days.
  6. Help them reach support Mention your EAP, and offer to help them make contact if they want to.

Watch out for

  • Avoid comments that play down the loss, such as “At least he lived a long life.”
  • Do not treat their productivity as the main concern.
  • If someone is still struggling to cope after several months, or you are worried about their safety, encourage them to see a doctor or counsellor (see What do I do when a colleague is struggling?).

Good to know

Compassionate leave is not required by law in Singapore, so it depends on your organisation’s own policy. Loss is not only about death. A divorce, a serious diagnosis or a miscarriage can affect people in a similar way.

Discover more

CourseFoundational Psychological First AidFully funded for 2 places per organisation while places lastSee dates and fees on Wayfinder →

Kaleidoscope Labs manages the Network and provides some of these courses and workshops for a fee.

Read more

ArticleWhen Grief Comes to Work: How Singapore Workplaces Can Respond with CompassionArticleSupporting Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma at Work: A Gentle, Practical ApproachRelated questionWhat do I do when a colleague is struggling?Related questionAn employee is coming back after mental health-related leave. How do we plan their return?

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See all questions. This is general guidance, not legal or clinical advice. Can’t find your answer? Email hello@wellbeingchampions.sg.