Bereavement Support at Work: Transforming Benefits Portals

At any given time, one in ten employees is navigating bereavement. The effects extend well beyond the immediate loss, impacting sleep, concentration, workplace relationships, and even day-to-day tasks.

While most companies offer short-term bereavement leave, grief doesn't adhere to a set schedule—its impact can linger for months or even years.

Currently, bereavement policies are not compulsory and usually offer only a few days of paid leave for immediate family losses. The upcoming Employment Rights Bill 2024 will expand this, introducing a minimum one-week 'Day One' bereavement leave right, expected in Autumn 2026.

Yet, policy changes alone are not enough.

Effective bereavement support at work requires more than statutory leave—it demands a comprehensive, compassionate approach that addresses the diverse needs of grieving employees through accessible benefits and ongoing resources.

Reimagining employee benefits

Grief requires compassionate, flexible, and ongoing support that extends far beyond the initial leave period.

Your company's benefits portal likely already offers valuable resources for grieving employees—some obvious, others less so. However, because grief affects each person differently, the type of support they need—and when they need it—will vary.

By rethinking your benefits platform as a hub for bereavement support at work, you can provide employees with meaningful assistance during one of life's most difficult moments. Here are some key steps to help you get started:

5 Key Elements of Bereavement Support at Work

1. How can you provide immediate bereavement support at work?

Only 32% of employees are aware that their employer has a bereavement policy. Create a dedicated section for bereavement support that includes:

• Clear documentation of leave policies and procedures
• Straightforward instructions for leave requests
• Contact information for HR representatives specialised in bereavement support
• Downloadable forms and checklists for necessary documentation
  
  

2. What financial and legal resources should bereavement support include?

Losing a dependant often brings a complex set of financial and legal responsibilities, adding extra stress during an already challenging time. Providing practical resources can help ease this burden:

• Links to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services for legal consultation
• Information about life insurance claims and beneficiary processes
• Guidelines for accessing retirement benefits or pension information for deceased family members
• Estate planning resources and referrals
  
  

3. How do you integrate mental health into bereavement support at work?

Grief is a normal emotional response to the loss of a loved one but for some employees it may affect their mental health more considerably. Embed mental health resources directly within your portal to make it easier for workers to access the support they need, when they need it.

• Direct scheduling links for counselling services through your EAP
• Virtual therapy options and teletherapy platforms
• Grief support group information and registration
• Mindfulness and meditation resources specifically designed for grief
  
  

4. What flexible benefits enhance bereavement support?

When an employee is grieving, having the flexibility to adapt their work schedule and easily access support can make a difficult time slightly more manageable, helping them navigate their return to work at their own pace. Consider implementing features that enable employees to:

• Adjust healthcare coverage if needed
• Access accumulated PTO or sick leave
• Understand flexible work arrangements during the grieving period
• Request modifications to work schedules or responsibilities
  
  

5. How can lifestyle benefits contribute to bereavement support?
   
   Although it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, everyday perks and discounts can provide meaningful support for grieving employees, offering small moments of relief and self-care during challenging times. Consider highlighting benefits that contribute to overall wellbeing:

• Gym and fitness memberships to promote physical activity and boost endorphins.
• Shopping and entertainment discounts to bring small moments of enjoyment to daily life.
• Holiday discounts and travel insurance for when employees feel ready to take restorative time away.
• Wellness app subscriptions for meditation, sleep support, and mental health resources.

 

Best Practices for Implementation

To enhance the effectiveness of your benefits portal as a grief support resource:

• Ensure easy access – Make sure the portal is intuitive and simple to navigate, especially during emotionally challenging times. Adding a dedicated "Life Events" section can help employees quickly find relevant resources based on their specific circumstances.
• Prioritise privacy – Provide secure channels for submitting sensitive information and requesting support, allowing employees to seek help while maintaining their dignity.
• Offer proactive assistance – Leverage portal analytics to monitor when bereavement resources are accessed and initiate automated follow-ups from HR to provide timely support.
• Keep resources up to date – Regularly review and refresh available support options based on employee feedback and usage data to ensure they remain relevant and useful.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bereavement Support at Work

What is bereavement support at work?

Bereavement support at work encompasses comprehensive resources and policies that help employees navigate grief following the loss of a loved one. Unlike traditional bereavement leave which typically provides only a few days off, effective bereavement support includes ongoing mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, financial guidance, and wellbeing benefits that recognize grief as a long-term journey rather than a short-term event.

Why is bereavement support at work important?

At any given time, one in ten employees is navigating bereavement, yet only 32% of employees are aware that their employer has a bereavement policy. The effects of grief extend well beyond the immediate loss, impacting sleep, concentration, workplace relationships, and productivity for months or even years. Comprehensive bereavement support demonstrates compassion, improves employee wellbeing, enhances retention, and creates a more supportive workplace culture.

What are the legal requirements for bereavement support at work in the UK?

Currently, bereavement policies are not compulsory in the UK and usually offer only a few days of paid leave for immediate family losses. However, the upcoming Employment Rights Bill 2024 will introduce a minimum one-week 'Day One' bereavement leave right, expected in Autumn 2026. Forward-thinking employers are already going beyond these minimum requirements to provide comprehensive support systems.

How long should bereavement support continue?

Grief doesn't adhere to a set schedule—its impact can linger for months or even years. While statutory leave may only cover the immediate aftermath, effective bereavement support should remain accessible throughout the employee's grief journey. This includes ongoing access to counselling services, flexible work arrangements, and wellbeing resources that employees can utilize as their needs evolve over time.

 

Looking forward

As workplace benefits continue to evolve, businesses have an opportunity to redefine how they support employees through personal loss. By transforming benefits portals into comprehensive bereavement support at work systems, organisations can foster a more compassionate workplace that truly meets employees' needs during difficult times.