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Playing through pain​

Thembela Kwini, Chemical Process Operator, Heraeus Precious Metals, HSA Gqeberha, South-Africa  

"Playing through pain" – this concept is familiar from sports. When an athlete is injured, they keep playing, grit their teeth, and push through until the game is over. But often, that only worsens the injury.​ When my father passed away in July last year, I wanted to do exactly that: keep going, function, as if nothing had happened. But soon I realized: I needed a break to regain my strength.

When grief walks into work

People often say that you can clearly separate personal life and work – but that doesn’t work. At least it didn’t for me. My grief followed me into the production hall. I made mistakes in the bookings because my thoughts kept returning to my father.​

Instead of pretending everything was fine, I did something different: I called my line manager and sat down with him.​ “Waldo, I can feel that this is affecting my work so much that I’m making mistakes. Please take these tasks off my plate until I’m ready.” He didn’t ask questions. He understood immediately. “It’s okay,” he said. “Let me know when you’re ready.”​

For me, this reaction was more than psychological safety – it was an expression of Ubuntu, the philosophy that places humanity at the center: I am because you are.​ The empathy from Waldo and my colleagues carried me through the hardest time of my life. No one asked, “Why is Thembela getting special treatment?” Instead, they shared my burden – without judgment, without pressure.​

Thanks to Heraeus’s partnership with LifeHealthcare, I also received additional support. That was crucial, because grief comes in waves. Some days I feel okay, others I feel overwhelmed, and some I feel numb. This support gave me stability when I needed it most. I didn’t have to pretend to be at my best. I didn’t have to perform or deliver when I was broken inside.

How empathy moves us forward

Today, I work at full capacity again – present, focused, and at a place that has become even better for me. A place where there is space for humanity. A culture where empathy flows from the top down. Waldo may have experienced it himself once, and now I pass it on.​

When colleagues go through difficult times, I tell them: you don’t have to play through the pain. You are allowed to heal.​ At all times, people matter. Always. That is the most important lesson I have learned."

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