Why Grief Awareness Training Matters for Your Workplace

Grief touches everyone, yet it remains one of the least understood and most avoided topics in the workplace.

At The Flying Fish Company, we help workplaces navigate these difficult waters by providing the tools, knowledge and confidence to support employees through loss.

“1 in 4 employees will experience a close bereavement each year.
”
— (Source: Sue Ryder, 2020)

Over 7.9 million working-age people in the UK experience bereavement every year, impacting their wellbeing, productivity and relationships at work.

Without the right support, grief can lead to:

·  Increased absenteeism and turnover

·  Reduced team morale and engagement

·  Challenges in communication and understanding

By investing in grief awareness training, businesses can build a compassionate culture, retain valuable employees and align with emerging legislation around bereavement support.

Did you know that UK employers have a legal duty to protect their 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.

This approach is supported by the Society of Occupational Medicine’s 2024 guidance on Suicide Postvention in the Workplace, which emphasises the importance of planning, training and compassionate communication following a workplace death. Read the full guidance here.

Empowering Your Workplace to Navigate Loss

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 programs are designed to meet your specific needs.

“Acknowledging grief in the workplace isn’t just about compassion- it’s about creating a culture of understanding that strengthens teams and supports individuals through life’s most challenging moments.”
— The Flying Fish Company

For Employers:

·  Retain valuable employees.

·  Boost morale and engagement.

·  Align with legal and ethical standards.

For Managers:

·  Gain confidence in navigating sensitive conversations.

·  Build a supportive team culture.

·  Understand policies like the Equality Act 2010.

For Employees:

·  Feel supported during difficult times.

·  Build resilience and mutual respect in the workplace.

·  Experience a more inclusive environment.

With lived experience of loss and years of research, we bring a unique perspective to grief training. Our approach combines compassion, cultural sensitivity and practical tools to create lasting change in your workplace.

What makes us unique:

·  Lived experience of navigating grief in the workplace.

·  Tailored programs for diverse teams.

·  Practical, actionable guidance rooted in real-world scenarios

Ready to Transform Your Workplace?

Training Testimonials

“Really useful to understand how the wrong phrasing can be very unhelpful for those who are grieving”
— Webinar Attendee
“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]
“deepened my awareness of dealing with grief in the workplace. It was an excellent use of my time.”
— Webinar Attendee