5 Practical Ways HR and Business Leaders Can Support Employees Through Grief.
Grief is not just a personal struggle—it impacts employees’ well-being, productivity, and engagement at work. For HR professionals and business leaders, supporting grieving employees is not only the right thing to do but also essential for fostering a compassionate and resilient workplace.
However, many organisations lack clear policies, guidance, or training on grief in the workplace. This can leave managers unsure of how to respond and employees feeling unsupported. Here’s how HR and leadership can take proactive steps to create a culture that acknowledges grief and offers meaningful support.
1. Normalise the Conversation
Many employees hesitate to share their grief at work, fearing they will be seen as unprofessional or weak. As HR and leadership, you can break this stigma by ensuring grief is acknowledged, not avoided.
✔️ Encourage managers to say "I’m sorry for your loss" instead of avoiding the topic.
✔️ Offer a private check-in, allowing the employee to share (or not) at their own comfort level.
✔️ Foster a workplace culture where personal challenges, including grief, are met with understanding rather than silence.
When grief is normalised, employees feel psychologically safe to communicate their needs—helping them reintegrate into work in a way that feels right for them.
2. Be Flexible with Policies and Work Arrangements
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and a rigid bereavement policy can leave employees feeling unsupported. While statutory bereavement leave exists, many employees need more flexibility as they navigate their emotions and responsibilities after a loss.
🔹 Review your bereavement policy to ensure it is compassionate and inclusive.
🔹 Offer flexible work options, such as hybrid or remote work.
🔹 Encourage managers to adjust workloads when necessary, avoiding unrealistic expectations for grieving employees.
A supportive work environment reduces stress and prevents burnout, ultimately benefiting both the employee and the business.
3. Recognise the Long-Term Impact of Grief
Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. Anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays can trigger fresh waves of sadness, sometimes months or years later. HR and leadership teams should acknowledge that grief is a long-term journey.
📌 Encourage managers to check in periodically, even after the initial bereavement leave.
📌 Allow flexibility for time off on difficult days, such as anniversaries.
📌 Provide resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or workplace support groups.
By recognising the ongoing nature of grief, you create a workplace where employees feel valued—not just as workers but as people.
4. Equip Managers with the Right Tools
Managers are often the first point of contact for grieving employees, yet many feel unprepared to navigate these conversations. Without the right guidance, even well-intentioned managers may say the wrong thing or unintentionally apply pressure.
HR can take the lead by:
✔️ Providing grief awareness training for managers.
✔️ Ensuring bereavement policies are clear and accessible to all staff.
✔️ Encouraging a culture of active listening and compassion within leadership teams.
When managers are trained to handle grief with confidence and empathy, it reduces discomfort and improves employee well-being.
5. Lead with Compassion for a Stronger Workplace
Workplaces that prioritise compassion benefit from higher employee retention, loyalty, and engagement. Leaders set the tone, and when HR teams and business leaders show care and flexibility, it fosters a positive work environment.
💡 Encourage a workplace culture where employees feel safe to be human.
💡 Train managers to support their teams beyond just productivity metrics.
💡 Recognise that a compassionate response to grief strengthens team morale and company reputation.
A business that cares for its people builds a workforce that is engaged, committed, and resilient—even in times of difficulty.
HR Leaders: Are You Prepared to Support Grieving Employees?
Empower your managers with the tools they need to support grieving employees effectively. Our Grief Awareness for Managers course provides practical strategies to navigate grief in the workplace with confidence and care.
