Grief and bereavement are among the most common factors affecting employee performance in the workplace.

At any given time, one in ten employees is affected by bereavement, and 56% say they would consider leaving their job if they were not adequately supported during this time, according to Child Bereavement UK.

There is a strong business case for empathy. Not only does compassionate support help prevent employees from falling through the cracks, it also improves engagement, loyalty, productivity and retention. A workplace that values emotional safety is investing in its own long-term resilience.

Despite this, an alarming 43% of employers still offer no support beyond statutory bereavement leave to employees experiencing grief.

Knowing where to begin can feel challenging. Below are several practical steps employers can take to better support bereaved employees.

Extend Compassionate Leave

Standard bereavement leave often falls far short of what individuals need. Many people require weeks or even months to regain emotional stability. Organisations should consider offering flexible and extended leave that recognises the deeply personal and unpredictable nature of grief.

Introduce and Communicate Clear Policies

Only a third of companies have a formal bereavement policy, and many employees are unaware one exists. Employers should introduce compassionate, flexible bereavement policies and ensure they are clearly communicated across the workforce.

Train Managers and HR Teams

Managers often feel ill-equipped to support grieving employees. Targeted training can help build confidence and sensitivity, enabling more thoughtful and effective support.

Offer Flexible Arrangements

Grief can significantly disrupt focus and performance. Employers can help by:

· Provide shorter working days,

· Offer remote working,

· Lighten workloads, and

· Allow gradual phased returns to ease the transition.

Create Emotional Safety Nets

Assigning a compassionate point of contact, such as a trained HR representative, encouraging regular and genuine check-ins, and making counselling services and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) easily accessible can all provide vital support.

To learn more about the importance of compassion, patience and support for those coping with loss, join the Electrical Industries Charity’s March Wellbeing Talk on Wednesday 4 March at 12pm.