Supporting Employees Through Grief – Why HR Must Lead with Compassion

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet it remains one of the most difficult to address in the workplace. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, the passing of a colleague, or another profound life event, grief has an undeniable impact on an employee’s wellbeing and ability to perform at work.

Despite this, grief often carries a taboo in the workplace. It can feel uncomfortable, even inappropriate, to acknowledge something so personal within a professional setting. But ignoring grief does not lessen its impact. In fact, research shows that grief has a direct effect on employee engagement, productivity, and retention – and organisations that fail to offer meaningful support risk long-term costs.

The Impact of Grief on Mental Health and Work

Grief is not a linear process. For many employees, it brings with it cycles of sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and sometimes depression. Studies highlight that grieving employees are more likely to take sick leave, struggle to concentrate, and experience ongoing stress. Left unsupported, these challenges can escalate, with some employees choosing to resign because they feel unable to cope at work.

Managers play a critical role here. With the right training, they can recognise the warning signs of an employee in distress and signpost them towards appropriate resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health first aiders, or counselling services. Just as important is creating a safe space where employees feel able to say, “I’m struggling,” without fear of stigma.

Flexibility Matters During Bereavement

The practical realities of grief often extend well beyond the funeral. From handling family affairs to reorganising childcare or simply managing fluctuating energy levels, grieving employees may need greater flexibility in how, when, and where they work.

For HR, this means reviewing policies around compassionate or bereavement leave and considering whether flexibility around hours or remote working can help staff through this difficult period. The goal should be to provide the breathing space employees need to find their footing again.

Reviewing Benefits and Practical Support

Grief can also require administrative changes, such as updating health insurance, pensions, or beneficiary information.

While these tasks may seem procedural, for the employee they can feel overwhelming. Employers should approach these discussions with sensitivity, ensuring that timing is appropriate and that employees feel supported rather than burdened.

Reassurance and Compassion

Grief can make employees feel like they are falling short of expectations, of performance, of their own sense of control.

What matters most from employers is reassurance. A manager’s compassion, patience, and willingness to listen can make all the difference in whether an employee feels like a valued part of the team or an inconvenience.

Training people managers to avoid language or behaviour that isolates grieving employees is vital. Compassion does not just support the individual – it can strengthen trust across the entire workforce and demonstrates that the organisation sees its people as humans first.

Why Grief Support is a Business Imperative

Often, workplaces that acknowledge and accommodate grief not only help employees heal, but also create loyalty and long-term engagement.

Productivity will always ebb and flow, and personal lives will inevitably overlap with work. By recognising this and supporting employees through some of the hardest moments of their lives, employers show that they truly care.

For HR professionals, the challenge is clear: grief support cannot be an afterthought. It must be a built-in part of wellbeing strategies, leadership training, and organisational culture. When it is, businesses are rewarded with healthier employees, stronger teams, and a more resilient organisation overall.

If you would like to discuss how we can help design and implement tailored wellbeing strategies that address grief and bereavement, please get in touch with us today.