Offering bereavement support remains a challenge in the workplace

Although it is inevitable that everyone must deal with grief at some point, it can be a difficult subject to discuss and challenging to develop a program that offers employees the support the need, when they need it.

“Grief is a natural experience, yet a topic not widely discussed,” said Heather Nesle, president of the New York Life Foundation. “Our work in the bereavement space has shown the crucial nature of identifying those who are grieving, raising awareness of grief’s impacts and highlighting the resources that are available. As the need for bereavement support is ever present, the growing interest to do more, particularly from workplace colleagues, teachers and afterschool professionals, is heartening.”

The foundation’s 2024 State of Grief Report found that 71% of employed adults are very or somewhat interested in taking voluntary grief support training to help their colleagues through a loss. Other notable findings include:

• Eighty-five percent of those surveyed agreed they would be proud to work for an employer that has publicly committed to being grief-supportive.
• Only 63% of respondents report having dedicated time off specifically for bereavement, with just 47% receiving paid leave for such circumstances. These figures underscore the imperative for systemic change to better support grieving individuals in their darkest hours.
• Eighty percent of respondents believe there should be an emphasis on establishing a systemic approach to identifying bereaved children and linking them with support services.
• Eighty-one percent of respondents believe that at least one of a bereaved child’s personal documents (such as school, medical or government records) should indicate their loss.
• Ninety percent of both teachers and afterschool professionals agree that identifying students who have faced a significant death, such as a parent or caregiver, is crucial information that should be included in school records.
• Ninety-two percent of teachers and 89% of afterschool professionals would like to do more to support grieving students.

Related: Requests for PTO increase, study shows importance of work-life balance

The New York Life Foundation has invested more than $75 million since 2008 to create a comprehensive approach to bereavement support. “This year’s State of Grief report provides opportunities for action,” said Maria Collins, vice president of the foundation. “We encourage all to reflect on how best to bring these resources to their employers, schools and communities to support those who may be grieving and to foster a more grief-supportive culture.”