How To Tell Your Boss Someone Passed Away – 9 Tips And 3 Ways

Written By Aleena

If someone close to you is no more, the pain makes you numb. And it can be not easy to know how to tell your boss someone passed away.

You may feel like you need time off to mourn, but you also don’t want to leave your job unfinished.

Death is inevitable. Yet, it is not easy to share with someone that your close one is no more. We can help you in these grieving times.

Thus, follow the tips to ensure you can tell your Boss and let him handle the work for a while.

How To Tell Your Boss Someone Passed Away – 9 Tips

Here are a few tips on how to break the news that a loved one dies without letting it affect your work life.

1. Tell Your Boss As Soon As Possible:

It’s important to tell your Boss as soon as possible after someone close to you has passed away. It will give them enough time to make arrangements for your absence.

It will also help them understand why you may not complete some of your work tasks.

It’s also a good idea to let your coworkers know as soon as possible.

2. Pick The Right Time To Tell:

There’s no perfect time for this conversation, but don’t share the news as you’re walking out of the office.

take care of yourself

You’ll want some privacy so both of you can express emotions and offer condolences.

Such conversation needs face-to-face interaction—not over email or phone. Think about appropriate times without disrupting your colleagues or clients.

3. Get Ready For A Range Of Emotions:

Your Boss may be sympathetic, or they may be angry that you’re not meeting deadlines. Not all bosses are empathetic, or they will care for you.

Get ready for a range of reactions and understand that it’s ok to feel whatever you’re feeling. Mourning is often an intense, overwhelming experience that can cause extreme emotions.

Your Boss may show sympathy, but they are not necessarily equipped to deal with your grief.

4. Before How To Tell Your Boss Someone Passed Away- Take Care Of Yourself:

It’s essential to take time off after a loved one has died. It will give you time to process your emotions and spend time with family and friends.

Your health is essential. If you don’t take care of yourself, it’s hard to care for your loved ones.

5. Listen To Your Instinct:

If you feel panicky, take a step back before talking to your Boss and collect your thoughts.

We understand that it is not easy to have and might forget things.

It’s always better to take a moment and think this through before acting.

6. Consider The Culture Of Your Workplace:

Each work culture is different, so approach your Boss in a way that matches the expectations.

talk to boss

Some workplaces are more formal than others. However, it will be acceptable to express yourself if you are respectful and calm.

7. Let Your Boss Know What You Need:

Your Boss may be able to give you some flexibility in your work schedule as you mourn. Ask what they can do to help make things easier for you.

You may be able to work from home, or you can take some time off during the day.

8. How To Tell Your Boss Someone Passed Away- Don’t Take Much Time Off:

Even if you’re given time off, don’t take too much time away. It would help if you were back to work as soon as you felt ready.

We understand that you go through the most challenging phase after the death of a closed one. But life moves on, no matter what.

So after taking enough time, return to the routine. And get back to the office to handle your work efficiently.

9. Do Not Go Into Details At Work:

You may want to share how you’re feeling with your Boss, but avoid going into details of what happened at work.

It is because it will distract everyone else. It will make your colleagues focus on something they can’t do anything about.

How To Tell Your Boss Someone Passed Away- 3 Ways To Do

There are some ways to contact your Boss and tell him about the unexpected incident.

1. Face-To-Face Conversation With The Boss:

It is the best way to communicate with your Boss, as it will help you express your emotions. Your Boss will be able to understand better.

Here is an example of what you might talk about:

Hi Sir, I have unexpected news to share with you. My nana died this morning; she had a heart attack at home.

She was my only living relative, and I just wanted to let you know that I will not be in the office for a few days.

But in my absence, David will handle my tasks, and my team will be there to manage it all. I won’t take a vast number of leaves, but I need to take some time off.

 I am going out of town for the funeral. Thus if I have to stay there much longer, I request you to remote work.

If the Boss is not available, try to find his PA or someone authorized to talk on behalf of the Boss and deliver the news.

2. How To Tell Your Boss Someone Passed Away In A Letter:

If the Boss is not available, send a letter of appreciation explaining the situation. You can also mention asking for some time off so you can handle things at home.

You can also ask them whether there’s anything they require from you during this time. Inquire of any support you can get from the office.

ask for advice

Here is an example of a similar letter:

Dear Sir,

This message might come as a shock to you, but, unfortunately, my nana passed away early morning today.

She had recently suffered a heart attack, we did everything to save her.

But unfortunately, she didn’t survive, and I just wanted to let you know that I will not be in the office for a few days.

I would appreciate it if David could handle my tasks, and my team would be there to manage it all.

I won’t take a vast number of leaves, but I need to take some time off.

It is something very sudden and unexpected. In this challenging moment in our family, we don’t even know what we should do next.

My mother is in a state of shock and can’t think straight yet. If needed, I can work from home or remote work.

3. Have A Phone Call With Your Boss:

It is an informal way to tell your Boss, and it might be less personal.

A phone call is less personal than a face-to-face conversation. But it can be more efficient if the Boss is unavailable to meet in person.

In this type of conversation, you would want to express your emotions and ask for some time off.

You can also inquire about any support your Boss can give you during this difficult time.

Here is an example of what you might say:

Hi Boss,

I hope all is good with you. I am sorry to inform you this way, but my nana passed away early morning today.

She had a heart attack, and we did everything we could to save her, but she didn’t survive.

I am not in the office today, and I will not be back till the funeral is over.

As my mother is in a state of shock, she cannot think yet. If you need anything from me, please let me know.

Thank you for understanding this situation.

I won’t take too much time off, but I do need a few days away from work as it is complicated for me right now.

What You Might Not Want To Say:

You can mention that you are going out of town for the funeral. You can also share the circumstances surrounding your close one’s death.

how to tell your boss someone passed away

But avoid giving too many details about the actual incident that led to her passing away. Your Boss is, after all, your Boss. Do not share everything personally with him.

DO’s:

Here are things you should do:

– Express your emotions

– Ask for some time off, or lessen your responsibilities for some time

– Inquire about any support your Boss can give you during this difficult time

– You can ask him to attend the funeral if he lives nearby.

DON’Ts:

Here are things you shouldn’t do:

– Share too many personal details about the death

– Take too much time off from work

– Get back to work and not perform well

Conclusion:

Death is a difficult time for everyone. It’s important to remember that you can take some time off from work to mourn your loss.

You should express your emotions to your Boss and ask for some time off. If needed, you can also inquire about any support your Boss can give you during this difficult time.

However, avoid sharing too many personal details about your boss’s death.

Remember that he is not your friend, but your Boss. Thank him for understanding the situation.

Most importantly, take as much time as you need to mourn the death of your loved one.

Grieving takes time, and you should not feel guilty for taking some time off from work.

Last Updated on 8 months by Aleena

Aleena

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