Open When… It Is Your First Day Back to Work

Your first day back may feel harder than you expected.

Going back to work after someone you love has died can feel like stepping back into a world that kept moving while yours changed completely. You may be ready to return. You may need to return. You may not feel ready at all.

Your kit is here to use in whatever way feels helpful. You can return to these words, watch the video, or try the free tool below. There is no right order and no need to do it all.

Open When… It Is Your First Day Back to Work kit, with reflection cards, a kraft envelope, and a purple Be gentle with me. I’m grieving. sticker.
Something tangible to turn to, whenever you need it.

You do not have to do this perfectly.

Grief can affect concentration, memory, energy, sleep, patience, emotions, and the way we interact with other people.

Things that used to feel routine may take more effort.Questions from coworkers may feel comforting one day and overwhelming the next.

You may not know exactly what you need until you are back at work. Your needs can change, and you can adjust as you go. Take it one conversation, one meeting, and one task at a time.

A few words for your return

Returning to work does not mean your grief is over. This video offers support for some of the things that can make returning to work difficult and reminds you that you do not have to do this perfectly.

Watch this support video on YouTube

A little support to keep close

Using what’s in your kit

You don’t have to work through every card. Choose one that speaks to what you’re feeling, set it aside when you need to, and come back whenever you want.

  • “Your first day back may feel harder than you expected.”A reminder to meet yourself with care as you return.
  • “Today’s Grief Check-In”A card to help you pause and notice how you are feeling.
  • “If someone asks how you’re doing…”A card to turn to when conversations at work feel difficult.
  • “Be gentle with me. I’m grieving.”A sticker with a simple reminder that you deserve care.

A free tool to use at your own pace

My First Week Back: A Return-to-Work Map

You do not have to figure out your whole return on the first day. This free worksheet helps you think beyond the first few hours and make a plan for the days ahead. Use it to consider what feels manageable, what support might help, and what you may want to adjust as you go.

Watercolor artwork from the My First Week Back: A Return-to-Work Map worksheet.Download the Return-to-Work Map

You don’t have to carry this alone

When you want more support, there are places to turn.

Learning Hub

Find grief education, tools, and resources you can use at your own pace.

Find grief resources

More words to return to

For the other moments, too.

Some days feel impossible. Holidays can bring their own kind of grief. These companion pages offer words and tools you can return to whenever they feel useful.