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)

Over 7.9 million working-age adults in the UK are affected by bereavement each year. Grief doesn't stay at home. It impacts productivity, mental health and how people relate to their 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

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]

“I wish more people could have heard the presentation.”

— Introduction to Grief in the workplace attendee

“ After the [culture and grief] session, I have changed the way I think about my practice and now when I am notified about deaths, I will remember to be curious about different religious mourning practices and will communicate in a way that is best fitting for them.”

— Grief and Culture attendee

"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

“[the webinar] deepened my awareness of dealing with grief in the workplace. It was an excellent use of my time.”

— webinar Attendee

“Very helpful, made me think more about what to say and do and what not to say and do. Thank you”

— Introduction to Grief in the workplace attendee

“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.

Let’s talk about what support would make the biggest difference in your organisation.

We’re inviting organisations to test our new grief support resource for managers.

Sign up to take part in the early research phase and help shape future training.

Want to know why I care so much about this work? Learn more about Helen.