In the UK, 43% of employers do not offer employee bereavement support beyond time off. At The Laura Centre, we recognise that this figure isn’t good enough. As an employer, it’s essential that you provide compassionate bereavement support for employees. But if you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to assist you.

In this resource, we’ll explore the complexities of grief in the workplace, and shed light on the various ways that you can support employees during this challenging time.

Losing a parent or child is a uniquely profound emotional experience. In the workplace, these emotions add an extra layer of complexity, making it challenging for an employee to focus on tasks, stay motivated or remain as engaged as they were before.

Additionally, such a loss may trigger a reevaluation of life priorities, leading to questions surrounding career paths, goals and overall sense of purpose.

Currently, there is no one-size-fits-all policy for bereavement leave in the UK. However, it’s common for most employers to provide three to five days of paid time off. Ask yourself, do the feelings of grief disappear after less than a week?

At work, signs of struggle can manifest in various ways. Withdrawal, changes in behaviour or a decline in work performance all indicate the emotional toll on a colleague. Recognising these signs requires a compassionate and perceptive approach where colleagues unite to offer support.

Your employee might also find it difficult to maintain previous levels of productivity, and deadlines that were once manageable may become overwhelming. It’s essential to understand that this is not a reflection of professionalism but rather a natural outcome of managing loss alongside professional responsibilities.

The workplace can either serve as a refuge or an additional stressor for someone grieving. By balancing workload expectations with emotional support, you can ensure it becomes the former.

Here are some practical ways to provide compassionate bereavement support for employees in your workplace.

Effective communication is the foundation of bereavement support. Encourage open conversations about grief, allowing employees to express their needs and boundaries. This will create a safe space where vulnerability is welcomed.

Likewise, in meetings and interactions, genuine empathy can be conveyed through simple acknowledgments. Phrases like “I understand this is a challenging time for you” or “Take the time you need; we’re here to support you” can make a significant difference. This will help your employee understand that they aren’t compelled to mask their emotions, and can express them authentically.

Given the unique nature of grief, you should be prepared to provide accommodations. Flexible working hours, additional time off or a quiet space for retreat can significantly help your bereaved employee.

Likewise, flexible working arrangements should be offered in the immediate weeks following your colleague’s bereavement. This might involve adjusted work hours, remote work options or a reduced workload during particularly challenging periods. 

As the requirements of your employee will evolve over time, it’s important that you’re adaptable to their needs.

Bereavement support is often centred around a nurturing work culture. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to form networks within the workplace to ensure that everyone feels valued and understood. 

Remember, building a supportive work culture takes time. Team-building activities and regular check-ins will provide opportunities for your employees to express their emotions. In turn, this will foster a culture of mutual understanding, breaking down the stigma surrounding grief in the workplace.

Finally, it’s important to invest in training with recognised organisations such as The Laura Centre. Employee bereavement support is a difficult field to navigate, which is why you must learn how to approach and support grieving colleagues with care. 

From our Leicester bereavement centre, we offer made to measure training courses for businesses in all sectors. Delivered by professional family counsellors, our programmes are designed to increase your understanding, knowledge and confidence in providing both effective communication and support to bereaved individuals.

At The Laura Centre, we recognise how important it is for employers to adopt a compassionate bereavement support programme for employees. 

To learn how we can help you implement practical bereavement support at work, contact our team of counsellors today.