A new study suggests that bereavement is becoming a central wellbeing issue for UK organisations, with employers facing growing pressure to meet expectations for support during periods of personal loss.
The research from bereavement support firm Empathy notes a widening gap between the support employees say they need and the provisions they currently receive. With more people caring for ageing relatives while balancing their own family responsibilities, a significant share of the workforce is carrying the ongoing effects of bereavement into their working lives.
Respondents say the administrative, legal, financial and emotional demands that arise after a loss can last for months, affecting their capacity to maintain focus and productivity. The report indicates that this strain is influencing how employees assess workplace wellbeing.
Bereavement Support Emerging as a Workplace Priority
The study shows that 92% of UK employees place high value on bereavement-related benefits when considering a potential employer, and nearly half (48%) of respondents who have experienced loss say they would leave a job if they felt unsupported following a bereavement. This rises to 57% of Millennials and 74% of Gen Zs.
A further 23% say bereavement-related benefits would influence their decision about a potential employer. Respondents also ranked bereavement support above parental leave, EAP or counselling services or gym memberships. The findings suggest that support after a loss is increasingly viewed as an essential element of workplace wellbeing rather than an optional benefit.
Wellbeing and Productivity Affected for Months After Loss
Employees say that support structures need to reflect the practical and emotional demands they face when managing the aftermath of a death. The research indicates that the period after a bereavement involves a complex combination of personal and administrative responsibilities, requiring employers to offer more consistent and specialised guidance.
The study identifies a clear link between inadequate support and reduced workplace performance. Many respondents say that in the year following a bereavement they struggled to concentrate, experienced lower productivity or frequently missed work. Millennials reported the highest levels of ongoing impact, reinforcing the need for employers to consider the long-term effects of loss on daily working life.