Why Grief Awareness Training Matters at Work
For businesses that want to do better when it matters most.
Grief affects everyone, yet it remains one of the hardest topics to talk about at work.
Our training helps organisations respond with care, not silence.
Why it Matters
" 1 in 4 employees will experience a close bereavement each year”
(Source, Sue Ryder 2020)
Many people think grief and bereavement are rare or niche issues that only affect a small number of employees. The reality is very different.
Over 7.9 million working-age adults in the UK are affected by bereavement each year. That’s one in four employees, meaning every workplace will be touched by loss.
Grief doesn’t stay at home. It impacts productivity, mental health and how people relate to colleagues and managers. Without proper support, grief in the workplace can lead to:
Increased sickness absence and staff turnover
Lower morale and reduced team cohesion
Misunderstandings and communication breakdowns
Hidden Cost of Bereavement
Modelling by Sue Ryder’s Grief in the Workplace report (2020) estimates that bereavement costs the UK economy approximately £23 billion annually in lost Gross Value Added (GVA), reflecting impacts on productivity and economic output.
£16 billion from presenteeism (employees at work but not fully productive)
£4.4 billion from absenteeism (time away from work due to bereavement)
£2.5 billion from reduced employment (cases where grief results in exiting the workforce or reduced hours)
This cost is not just a number, it represents real impact on:
Wellbeing: Employees carrying grief into work are often less focused and fatigued.
Retention: Bereavement can increase the risk of reduced hours or job loss.
Productivity: A compassionate, grief-aware workplace supports focus, safety, and efficiency, helping to maintain performance even during difficult times.
Did you know UK employers have a legal duty to support employees’ mental health and wellbeing, including during times of bereavement and loss?
This responsibility is highlighted in the Society of Occupational Medicine’s 2024 guidance on Suicide Postvention in the Workplace, which encourages organisations to plan ahead, train staff and respond with care when a colleague dies.
The guidance emphasises the importance of planning, training and compassionate communication following a workplace death, supporting organisations to act with sensitivity and confidence.
This approach is supported by the Society of Occupational Medicine’s 2024 report on Suicide Postvention.
Our specialised training equips teams to:
Communicate effectively and sensitively with grieving colleagues
Understand cultural and religious variations in grief
Manage workplace policies around bereavement and equality
Foster resilience and empathy within your team
Whether you’re a manager, HR professional or part of a team, our programmes are designed to meet your specific needs.
What It Brings to Your Workplace:
-
Improve staff retention and morale
Strengthen workplace culture and engagement
Meet legal and ethical obligations
-
Build confidence in handling sensitive conversations
Create a compassionate and psychologically safe team culture
Understand your role under the Equality Act 2010
-
Feel supported during times of loss
Build resilience and mutual respect across the team
Experience a more inclusive and understanding workplace
Click on each section to find out more
Trusted by Organisations and Individuals Alike
Real Feedback. Real Impact.
“Helen delivered three very popular webinars on the topic of navigating bereavement, for our primary care professionals. She shared moving personal stories which really resonated with our audience, and delivered the sessions in a very sensitive, caring and honest way. ”
— Thornfields [Primary Care Training Specialists]
"Helen delivered an engaging and uplifting presentation on grief and loss. She made a sensitive topic feel accessible without being overwhelming, offering practical tools and a powerful reminder that we never fully see another person's experience. Thank you, Helen."
— Avantor Sciences
“Her webinars focussed on aspects of grief that many people lack confidence in, with a dedicated session for managers and one for staff too. They were incredibly thought-provoking sessions, and gave genuinely useful tools and techniques to use both in the workplace and in our personal lives.”
— Thornfields [Primary Care Training Specialists]
Ready to Transform Your Workplace?
Explore how grief-aware leadership can build stronger, more compassionate teams.
Our training supports workplaces to respond with empathy and confidence.
We’re inviting organisations to test our new grief support resource for managers.
Sign up to take part in the next research phase and help shape future training.
Let’s talk about what support would make the biggest difference in your organisation.
Want to know why I care so much about this work? Learn more about Helen.