Is bereavement everyone’s business? Managing grief in the workplace

As employers, supporting those experiencing grief is essential for the individual concerned and the business at large.

We often talk about work-life balance when discussing employee wellbeing. However, we cannot talk about living without also being prepared to talk about dying. Life includes not only joyful experiences (marriage, birth, celebrations) but also the inevitability of loss and grief.

Grief is a profound and often overwhelming experience that can significantly impact not only an individual's well-being, but also their productivity and that of those around them. It’s impact on one individual can affect the business at large too. So, where do you start?

Comprehensive bereavement leave policies

A fundamental element of supporting grieving employees is having comprehensive bereavement leave policies. These should provide sufficient time off for employees to process their loss, attend funeral services and manage immediate personal affairs. Remember too that grief can surface weeks, months or even years later, and much of the heavy lifting of estate admin comes further down the line. Offering flexible leave options, such as additional unpaid leave or the ability to use leave over a period of time (perhaps the first year), can provide much-needed relief during a challenging time.

Flexible working arrangements

Grief can affect an employee's ability to maintain a regular work schedule, and the bereaved often report lack of concentration, brain fog and exhaustion for months, or even years after their loss. Implementing flexible working arrangements, such as remote work, adjusted hours, or reduced workloads, can help employees balance their professional responsibilities with their need to grieve and recover.

Access to mental wellbeing support services

Access to appropriate mental wellbeing counselling and support services is a vital component of supporting a grieving colleague. Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) can offer confidential counselling, mental health support, and resources for managing grief.

Ensuring that employees are aware of these services and how to access them is also crucial.

Bespoke administrative support

Don't forget that, especially if an executor, the administrative and logistical burden of a bereavement can be overwhelming, with tasks associated with closing an estate taking an estimated 570 hours (in the UK). Consider what support you could adopt for colleagues to help them through a situation many will be experiencing for the first time. This might include help with navigating necessary paperwork, education on the process or other support, from help arranging a funeral to guidance on financial support to assistance in memorialising their loved on. Understanding and alleviating the practical challenges faced by grieving employees can significantly reduce their stress.

Health and wellness programs

Grief can take a significant toll on an individual's physical health, manifesting in symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Enhancing health and wellness programs to include support for physical symptoms of grief can be beneficial. This might involve offering wellness workshops, stress management resources, or access to fitness programs.

Long-term support and check-ins

Grief is not a linear process, and its impact can last for years. Employers should recognise this and regularly check in on bereaved employees. Simple gestures, such as acknowledging anniversaries of the loss or offering continued access to support services, can make a significant difference.

Training for leaders

Leaders play a crucial role in the grief process and providing is essential. Training should include recognising signs of distress, knowing how to offer support, and understanding the resources available within the organisation.

Simple acts of compassion

Sometimes, the simplest gestures have the most profound impact. A sincere "I am sorry for your loss" can go a long way in showing empathy and support. These small acts of kindness can significantly aid in the healing process for grieving employees.

Supporting those experiencing grief is not just about providing immediate relief, but also about fostering a long-term culture of compassion and understanding. Creating an environment where employees feel supported when navigating one of life’s most difficult challenges ultimately benefits both the individual and the organisation. It reinforces the notion that work-life balance includes the entire spectrum of human experience, that compassion and understanding are integral to a healthy and productive workplace, and that employees should feel comfortable bringing their “whole self” to work.