Why talking about death matters
For many people, talking about death is deeply uncomfortable, especially in the workplace. Yet for HR professionals and employee benefit decision-makers, there’s a growing recognition that planning for the inevitable isn’t morbid: It’s responsible, compassionate, and increasingly aligned with what employees value.
Most people understand the importance of having an end-of-life plan, but many delay taking action. The hesitation usually isn’t indifference, it’s uncertainty. People often don’t know where to start or how to begin such a sensitive conversation. This is where employer-provided support can play a meaningful role.
Hidden cost of avoiding the conversation
When someone passes away without a clear plan, their loved ones are left to make emotional and financial decisions during an already overwhelming time.
Funeral arrangements, paperwork, financial obligations, and unanswered questions can quickly compound stress, especially when important details are missing or family members disagree about what their loved one would have wanted.
In the workplace, this burden often shows up as extended bereavement leave, heightened stress, absenteeism, and even long-term disengagement. Offering end-of-life planning tools and coverage isn’t just another benefit, it’s a way to care for employees while also supporting stability and productivity.
Empowering conversations through planning tools
Providers like Everest are helping employers break the stigma around end-of-life planning by offering compassionate, easy-to-use services that guide individuals through the process.
Their tools provide clear, step-by-step support, making it easier for employees to reflect on their wishes and communicate them to loved ones.
From documenting final wishes and organising important information to creating a detailed funeral plan, these tools help individuals take control. The result is less confusion, fewer conflicts, and greater peace of mind for families when it matters most.
The value of parent coverage
One often-overlooked challenge in employee benefits is the responsibility adult children face when managing a parent’s passing. Parent coverage through providers like Everest extends planning tools and concierge services beyond the employee to include their parents as well.
For employees in the “sandwich generation,” balancing care for children and aging parents, this support can be transformative. Parent coverage enables families to plan ahead together, access advisers when questions arise, and avoid rushed or costly decisions during a crisis. It’s a benefit that reflects a deeper level of care from the employer.
A forward-thinking approach to employee wellbeing
By integrating end-of-life planning tools and parent coverage into your benefits strategy, you address a meaningful yet often ignored part of the employee experience. These offerings show that your organisation recognises the whole person, supporting not just their work life, but their emotional, financial, and family wellbeing.
Normalising conversations about death doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or fear driven. With the right tools and support, planning becomes an act of clarity and compassion, one that gives employees and their families lasting peace of mind.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Everest Funeral Concierge
“Support you can count on when it matters most”
