The loss of a loved one affects people in profoundly different ways, meaning that employers need to think beyond the limits of compassionate leave. Charlotte O’Brien, head of employee benefits at MetLife UK, says that thoughtful, flexible support can make a real difference for people when it matters most, shaping employee loyalty, wellbeing, and productivity.
Bereavement is an inevitable part of life, and managing grief, logistics, and financial insecurities can be overwhelming, especially with the limited compassionate leave policies in the UK.
Average compassionate leave is between three and five days and many employees find this insufficient to properly mourn the loss of a loved one, highlighting the need for robust employer support.
Every grieving process is unique. Our research shows that over 88 percent of people who recently experienced bereavement required more than a week to return to their usual selves at work. For more than 10 percent, it took more than eight weeks. Employers must recognise the varying needs of grieving employees to foster loyalty and support within their teams. And realistically, while we aren’t going to see employers able to start giving the workforce a lot more time off work, there are some things they can consider.
Employer support can include phased returns, regular check-ins, flexible workloads, and access to counselling services. Understanding and catering to these needs can significantly impact employee wellbeing and productivity. Our research indicates that 21 percent of employees wanted a reduced workload, 19 percent desired more flexible hours, and 17 percent sought access to counselling during their bereavement period. Practical support, such as assistance with legal matters or funeral planning, was also valued by employees.
Despite the clarity on desired support, nearly 17 percent of employees were unaware of their employer’s bereavement policies. This presents an opportunity for employers to communicate their support systems more effectively. Providing comprehensive bereavement support can significantly enhance employee loyalty and productivity. Our research revealed that 79 percent of employees felt that bereavement affected their work, leading to distractions, reduced social interactions, and decreased productivity.
Employers can bridge this gap by offering practical and emotional support through external partnerships. For example, our bereavement offering for group life clients includes end-of-life planning services, 24/7 support, funeral price finding, counselling, free will writing, and a digital lockbox for important documents. With innovative products and responsive processes employers can offer employees valuable benefits that support them during their most challenging times.
