Workplace Grief
Beyond bereavement leave: practical support for grieving employees.
The survey findings point to a simple truth: policies matter, but people also need guidance, language, training, and support systems when grief enters the workplace.
Current findings at a glance
Early results show grief is present and support gaps remain.
TFindings are exploratory and illustrative, not statistically representative of all employers. Findings are intended to provide insight into emerging trends and organizational experiences.
What organizations are reporting
Policies exist, but the return to work still creates uncertainty.
Grief is present, even when it is not visible.
Visibility often depends on whether employees feel safe acknowledging loss.
Policies exist, but support gaps remain.
Organizations reported bereavement leave, EAPs, flexible scheduling, mental health benefits, and supervisor support while still needing practical guidance.
Returning to work is often the hardest part.
Leaders named concentration, workload pressure, communication, manager uncertainty, and coworker discomfort as common challenges.
Managers need support, too.
Respondents wanted practical education that helps supervisors communicate with empathy while maintaining appropriate workplace boundaries.
Move from findings to action
Choose one clear organizational support route.
The research and report should remain the evidence and learning hub. Visitors ready to act should move to Organizational Grief Support, where they can compare the 12-month learning experience with customized peer grief support program design.
Strengthen shared practices
Help staff and leaders understand grief, reflect on current practices, build response skills, and identify realistic next steps.
Build a structured program
Co-design, prepare, launch, evaluate, and refine a peer grief support program that fits the people your organization wants to support.
Explore support for your organization.
Compare both organizational offers, combine them when useful, or begin with a conversation.