Supporting employees through grief and bereavement: a human focused approach

Grief is one of the most personal and profound human experiences and it often crosses over  to the workplace. Whether an employee has lost a loved one, suffered a miscarriage, or is coping with anticipatory grief due to terminal illness in the family, the emotional toll can be significant. As CEO’s, HR professionals and leaders, it's our responsibility to ensure that the workplace is a source of support, not stress, during these difficult times.

Why support matters

Unaddressed grief can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and long-term disengagement and how an organisation responds during an employee’s most vulnerable moments speaks volumes about its values and culture.

Key ways to support grieving employees

1. Train managers in empathy

Direct line managers are often the first point of contact. Equip them with training to respond with compassion, not just compliance. Phrases like “take all the time you need,” while well-meaning, may not be helpful without clarity on what’s actually available.

2. Offer practical support

In addition to time off, consider offering:

• Access to counselling or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Adjusted workloads or temporary reassignments

• Flexible scheduling

3. Foster a culture of compassion

Encourage team members to reach out appropriately. A card, message, or donation in a loved one’s name can be meaningful. Make it safe for employees to talk about their loss if they choose, and respect their privacy if they don’t.

4. Check in — and keep checking in

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. While the initial days after a loss are the most intense, ongoing support makes the difference. Encourage managers to check in periodically — not to push for “normalcy,” but to listen and adjust expectations.

Grief isn’t a weakness — it’s a shared experience

We will all experience loss at some point in our lives. By recognising this, and showing up with empathy and flexibility, organisations can help employees feel seen, supported, and respected during life’s hardest moments. That care often translates into greater loyalty, trust and workplace morale over time.

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