Grief@Work Video Guides
Helping organisations support grief with confidence, compassion and practical guidance.
Grief does not follow a single pattern. Different grief models help us understand the emotional, psychological, and practical ways people respond to loss.
For managers, HR teams, and colleagues, these models can provide useful insight into what a grieving employee may be experiencing – while recognising that every person’s grief is unique.
On this page…
Understanding the Phases of Grief: What This Means at Work
Grief does not follow a simple timeline or a predictable set of stages. While many people are familiar with the five-stage model of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance), research suggests that grief is often much more individual and non-linear.
For employees returning to work after a bereavement, this can mean their experience may change from day to day. Someone may appear to be coping well one week and struggle again the next – especially around important dates, reminders, anniversaries, or periods of increased stress.
👉 For practical guidance on supporting employees after bereavement, explore our Grief@Work toolkits and workplace training.
Anxiety in Grief
Grief can often bring heightened anxiety, especially in the early weeks and months after a loss. Employees may feel overwhelmed, distracted, or uncertain about returning to work routines.
In the workplace, this can present as:
- difficulty concentrating in meetings
- increased worry about performance or expectations
- emotional overwhelm in everyday tasks
This video explores how anxiety shows up in grief and offers insight into how it affects both wellbeing and workplace functioning.
👉 Understanding this can help managers respond with patience, flexibility, and reassurance rather than pressure.
Depression in grief
Depression is a common experience during bereavement, but it is not always recognised in workplace settings. Employees may appear withdrawn, tired, or disengaged while coping with significant emotional pain.
In a work context, this may look like:
- reduced motivation or energy
- difficulty making decisions
- emotional numbness or withdrawal
This video helps clarify how depression can appear alongside grief.
👉 Supporting employees with empathy can reduce long-term absence and improve recovery outcomes.
Troubled sleep
Sleep disruption is one of the most common effects of bereavement. Poor sleep can significantly impact concentration, mood, and overall functioning at work.
Employees may experience:
- insomnia or broken sleep
- fatigue during the working day
- reduced cognitive performance
This video explains the link between grief and sleep disruption, and why tiredness should be understood as part of the grieving process rather than simply a wellbeing issue.
👉 Small adjustments in workload or flexibility can make a meaningful difference.
Flashbacks and nightmares in grief
Sleep disruption is one of the most common effects of bereavement. Poor sleep can significantly impact concentration, mood, and overall functioning at work.
Employees may experience:
- insomnia or broken sleep
- fatigue during the working day
- reduced cognitive performance
This video explains the link between grief and sleep disruption, and why tiredness should be understood as part of the grieving process rather than simply a wellbeing issue.
👉 Understanding this helps managers respond with sensitivity rather than misunderstanding or avoidance.
Free PDF Guide: How to Support Your Grieving Employee
Learn how to respond sensitively, communicate appropriately, and support bereaved employees in the workplace.
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Our toolkits help provide the support your grieving employee needs…
Our practical workplace toolkits help managers, HR teams and organisations support grieving employees with more confidence, compassion and clarity.
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Return to Work ToolkitOriginal price was: £59.00.£39.00Current price is: £39.00. -
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Bereavement Policy + Manager Support ToolkitOriginal price was: £59.00.£39.00Current price is: £39.00.
Build confidence in supporting grief at work
For organisations looking to go further, our workplace bereavement training helps managers, HR teams, Mental Health First Aiders, and teams build the confidence and skills needed to support grieving employees with compassion and understanding.
Our sessions combine:
🧠 Evidence-informed grief knowledge
💬 Practical guidance for workplace conversations
🤝 Tools for supporting employees and colleagues
🌱 Strategies for creating more grief-aware workplace cultures
Training and support areas include:
🏫 Bereavement training for schools
🏢 Workplace bereavement training
🤍 Bereavement training for social workers