When a Coworker Dies People who work together are like extended families, and when a person dies, friends and coworkers grieve. When the death is unexpected, as from violence or an accident, it can be particularly traumatic. The Grieving Process Feelings and symptoms of grief can take weeks, months, and even years to manifest and evolve. People don t heal on a timetable, but over time the emotions do ease. The brief time given to attend the funeral only touches the beginning stages of grief.
Experts describe the feelings, symptoms and outcomes of grief in various ways.
Most of the time a person feels several of these emotions at the same time, perhaps in different degrees. Eventually, each phase is completed and the person moves ahead. The extent, depth, and duration of the process will also depend on how close people were to the deceased, the circumstances of the death and their own situation. You and your coworkers will need time to grieve. A photo, card, or special item the person kept on her desk can be a way to remember.