Grief is something every workplace will encounter, yet many managers and organisations still feel uncertain about how best to respond when an employee experiences bereavement or significant loss.
Too often, people return to work while navigating overwhelming emotional, practical, and psychological challenges – unsure how much to share, worried about being seen differently, or struggling to manage everyday responsibilities alongside grief. At the same time, colleagues and managers may want to help but fear saying the wrong thing.
That’s why we’ve created our new How to Support a Grieving Employee Guide.
The guide has been designed to give organisations practical, compassionate advice on supporting employees through bereavement and grief in a way that feels human, thoughtful, and sustainable. It offers guidance for managers, HR teams, and workplaces looking to build more supportive cultures around loss.
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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We know there is no single “right” way to grieve. Every experience is different, and support should never be approached as a checklist or one-size-fits-all process. However, small actions – listening without judgement, allowing flexibility, checking in consistently, and creating space for honest conversations – can make a significant difference to someone who is struggling.
A supportive workplace culture not only helps grieving employees feel seen and valued, but also builds trust, empathy, and wellbeing across teams more broadly.
Our new guide explores:
- How grief can affect employees at work
- What managers should say (and what to avoid)
- Practical ways to offer support
- The importance of flexibility and ongoing communication
- Creating a workplace culture where grief is acknowledged rather than avoided
We hope this resource helps organisations feel more confident supporting employees through some of life’s most difficult moments.
You can explore the full Grief@Work Hub here:
Grief@Work Hub
