Med ventesorgen på arbejde

Abstract

In today’s working life, the boundaries between the professional and the personal have become increasingly blurred. Employees are often required to manage professional responsibilities while navigating personal crises. This thesis explores anticipatory grief – a largely overlooked form of grief experienced by individuals caring for a loved one with a life-threatening illness, marked by ongoing uncertainty, fear, and emotional strain. Based on 18 qualitative interviews with employees experiencing anticipatory grief, this study examines how such existential crises impact their psychological, physical, and relational wellbeing, and how these challenges inevitably influence their work life. Drawing on a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, the analysis is guided by existential theories of human experience and leadership. The findings reveal that anticipatory grief manifests on multiple existential levels, significantly affecting employees’ ability to perform and engage at work. Moreover, the study highlights the critical role of leadership in recognizing and supporting employees in such situations. Despite increased attention to psychological work environment and employee well-being, anticipatory grief remains a taboo in many organizational contexts. This thesis calls for greater organizational awareness and a more nuanced language to address existential employee experiences, aiming to foster workplaces that better support employees facing profound personal challenges while maintaining their professional roles.