Workplace Grief: How Employers Can Support Bereaved Employees

Grief doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It follows us into every aspect of our lives, including the workplace. While the loss is a deeply personal experience, its impacts extend into the professional realm, affecting an individual’s productivity, engagement, and overall well-being. As employers, understanding how to navigate workplace grief and provide support to bereaved employees is crucial.

Recognise the Impact

The first step is recognising the significant impact grief can have on an employee. Bereavement can lead to an increased likelihood of physical and mental health issues, a decrease in concentration and productivity, and higher rates of absenteeism. Understanding these impacts allows employers to better empathise with their employees’ experiences and take appropriate supportive actions.

Foster Open Communication

Creating an environment that encourages open communication is key. Let your employees know it’s okay to talk about their grief, to share their feelings, or to ask for support when they need it. Having these conversations might be challenging, but they are necessary for establishing a supportive workplace culture.

Be Flexible

Grief doesn’t adhere to a timeline. Be patient and offer flexibility wherever possible. This might involve offering a flexible work schedule, providing time off, or adjusting an employee’s workload. Recognise that everyone grieves differently, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Provide Resources

Employees might not be aware of the resources available to them. Be proactive in sharing information about Employee Assistance Programs, mental health resources, or local grief support services. At The Bereavement Café, for instance, we offer bespoke workshops designed to educate and support both employees and employers in dealing with bereavement.

Encourage Peer Support

While professional help is crucial, peer support can also be incredibly beneficial. Consider creating a safe space for employees to connect, share their experiences, and support each other. This could be a dedicated channel on your communication platform, regular check-ins, or a support group.

Develop a Bereavement Policy

A clear, compassionate bereavement policy is essential in managing workplace grief. The policy should outline the support available to bereaved employees, including leave entitlements, resources, and any additional assistance your organisation provides. Make this policy easily accessible to all employees.

As employers, we have a responsibility to support our employees in times of loss. By recognising the impacts of grief, fostering open communication, offering flexibility, providing resources, encouraging peer support, and developing a clear bereavement policy, we can help our employees navigate their grief while maintaining a supportive, compassionate workplace environment.

At The Bereavement Café, we are committed to supporting individuals and organisations in navigating the complex journey of grief. With our tailored services, we aim to provide the tools, knowledge, and understanding necessary to foster a supportive environment for bereaved individuals. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can support you and your employees in times of grief.

31 Jul 2023

Follow

Urgh, well this has just spoiled my Sunday morning coffee…

I’ve just come across this bright, flowery “powerful” quote on a motivational site on my FB feed - is it really that simple? No! Be strong! What is being strong? Wiping your tears away before anyone sees how much you’re suffering? Showing up and not taking any time to...

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to our Friends of The Bereavement Cafe patronage

Lots of you are asking questions on advantages of joining, so I thought I’d do a quick post to clarify some details. The cost to yourself, or your business is just £10pcm As a business you will have your Business logo displayed on our New Website. Priority invites to...

We are super excited to announce that The Youth Bereavement Cafe is popping up everywhere!

With 1 in 29 children bereaved of a Parent or sibling before the age of 18 (stats from 2018 & don’t include other significant-close bereavements), and waiting lists for counselling and other services at 6 months +, it is vital that we offer a safe space for our...

Grieving people need to be heard not fixed

You can’t fix grief, you can’t follow a set routine, or take the same steps as others, Grief is unique to each individual person, and we all grieve in different ways. Grief is an emotional feeling. It is felt in the heart, therefor the only work and steps you need to...

It’s ok to feel like your loss is the worst loss in the world

This conversation comes up many times during our Cafés, and I know from speaking to people during my 1-1’s and our workshops that there are many people out there that don’t talk about their grief as they don’t think it’s something “big enough” or that others will not...

Welcome to The Bereavement Café: A Haven for Healing and Hope

As we unveil our new website, we warmly welcome every one of you to The Bereavement Café, a unique community built on understanding, empathy, and a shared journey through grief. We are more than just a café; we are a compassionate support network, a safe space for...

Pop-up Cafés

Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

Tesco Extra

Tesco Extra Cross Street, Hindley, Wigan

Thyme for Tea

Thyme for Tea 96 CHURCH STREET, WESTHOUGHTON, United Kingdom

The Bridge

The Bridge Coffee 109 Bradford Street, Haulgh, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

Bakers

Bakers 247 Blackburn Rd, Egerton, Bolton, United Kingdom

The cafe today is a pop in event to for anyone to meet the team and learn more about what we do The Bereavement Café isn’t solely for those mourning […]