Returning to work after loss: why belonging sometimes starts with a desk

I didn't want to get a different job. I wanted my job. That was important to me.

It wasn’t just about income, it was about keeping a part of my identity that felt steady when everything else had changed.

What I didn’t expect was how much the physical space I worked in would impact that sense of stability.

Why a desk matters

Before, I’d always had “my” desk... my chair, my familiar spot. The desk also had my things on it.

After my loss, when I returned, I was hot desking. It made sense. I was only in a few days a week.

It might sound trivial, but when you’re grieving, those little constants matter.

A desk isn’t just a surface to work at, it can be a safe spot in a world that feels unsafe.

What leaders can do

If you’re leading someone returning after loss, think about more than just their schedule.

Think about:
- Can they personalise their space - a photo, a plant, a small comfort from home?
- How can you create small, tangible points of belonging?

These gestures might seem small, but they can have an outsized impact for someone finding their footing again.

Making it mine

I brought small touches like affirmation cards and a pen holder (despite being digital only!) just to make, even a desk that was being used my others, feel like mine.

Because when you’ve lost so much, having a place where you belong, even just an office desk, can be a quiet reminder that you still have a place in the world.

I would be interested to know your thoughts. Is this something you didn't think about or does it make complete sense and you would feel the same?