29 Jan 2025

Transform your benefits portal into the support system employees need

Bereavement can affect individuals in many ways and doesn’t follow a timescale but employers can be a source of support during these challenging times.

The impact of bereavement reaches far beyond the initial loss, affecting everything from sleep and concentration to workplace relationships and basic tasks.

While companies typically provide immediate bereavement leave, grief doesn't follow a neat timeline - its effects can last months or years.

Currently, bereavement policies are not compulsory and usually offer only a few days of paid leave for immediate family losses.

The upcoming Employment Rights Bill 2024 will expand this, introducing a minimum one-week 'Day One' bereavement leave right, expected in Autumn 2026.

But policy changes alone aren't enough.

Grief requires flexible, ongoing support that extends well past the initial leave period.

Your benefits portal likely already contains valuable resources for grieving employees - both obvious and some less so - but with grief affecting everyone differently, the types of support people need - and at what point in their grief journey – will vary.

By reimagining your benefits platform as a grief support hub, you can better serve employees during their most challenging times. Here are some key considerations to get started:

1. Immediate response resources

Only 32% of employees are aware that their employer has a bereavement policy. Create a dedicated section for bereavement support that includes:

Clear documentation of leave policies and procedures
Straightforward instructions for leave requests
Contact information for HR representatives specialised in bereavement support
Downloadable forms and checklists for necessary documentation

2. Financial and legal support

The death of a dependant may cause an overwhelming array of financial and legal responsibilities that can add extra strain during an already difficult time for employees.

Integrate resources that address practical concerns:

Links to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services for legal consultation
Information about life insurance claims and beneficiary processes
Guidelines for accessing retirement benefits or pension information for deceased family members
Estate planning resources and referrals

3. Mental health support integration

Grief is a normal emotional response to the loss of a loved one but for some employees it may affect their mental health more considerably.

Embed mental health resources directly within your portal to make it easier for workers to access the support they need, when they need it.

Direct scheduling links for counselling services through your EAP
Virtual therapy options and teletherapy platforms
Grief support group information and registration
Mindfulness and meditation resources specifically designed for grief

4. Flexible benefits navigation

When someone is grieving, having the flexibility to adjust their work life and easily access support can help them find their own path back to the workplace, making an incredibly difficult time just a little bit more manageable. Implement features that allow employees to:

Adjust healthcare coverage if needed
Access accumulated PTO or sick leave
Understand flexible work arrangements during the grieving period
Request modifications to work schedules or responsibilities

5. Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits

While it may not be immediately obvious, access to everyday benefits and discounts can play a meaningful role in supporting employees through grief by providing small moments of relief and self-care during difficult times.

Highlight available benefits that can support wellbeing:

Gym and fitness memberships to encourage physical activity and endorphin release
Shopping and entertainment discounts that might make daily life a little brighter
Travel insurance and holiday discounts for when they feel ready to take restorative time away
Wellness app subscriptions for meditation, sleep support, or mental health resources

Best practices for implementation

To maximise the effectiveness of your benefits portal as a grief support tool:

Make it accessible: Ensure the portal is easily navigable during stressful times. Consider implementing a “Life Events” section that guides employees through available resources based on their specific situation.
Maintain privacy: Create secure channels for submitting sensitive information and requesting support, allowing employees to maintain dignity during vulnerable moments.
Provide proactive support: Use portal analytics to identify when employees access bereavement resources and trigger automatic follow-up protocols from HR teams.
Regular updates: Keep resources current and relevant, regularly reviewing and updating support options based on employee feedback and utilisation data.

Looking forward

As workplace benefits continue to evolve, companies have an opportunity to reshape how they support employees during personal loss.

By leveraging benefits portals as comprehensive support hubs, organisations can create more compassionate workplaces that acknowledge the full spectrum of employee needs during difficult times.