* Trigger warning: This article mentions death and suicide *
Grief and loss are two things we will all inevitably experience at some point in our lives, however, these remain subjects that many are not comfortable discussing.
This is particularly the case in the workplace. Yet, with no legal entitlement to paid leave following the death of a loved one unless it is the loss of a child under the age of 18, individuals will undoubtedly face the challenge of grieving at work at some point during their career. While many employers do offer support and paid leave following a bereavement, how employers approach the situation for their workforce very much depends on the culture of an organisation, its senior management and the extent of its desire to support employees.
This week, however, the government took a step forward in supporting parents who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks’ gestation. Under an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, parents will have the right to take at least a week off work to grieve, although the exact length of the leave will be open to consultation.
But this still leaves a huge proportion of the working population potentially lacking any support from their employer. So, how should employers navigate grief in the workplace?
At this year’s Employee Benefits Live, mental health campaigner Ben West will deliver a powerful keynote session on supporting employees through loss. Following the death of his younger brother by suicide, West became a voice for mental health advocacy, aiming to effect change on a national scale.
In his thought-provoking keynote on 2 October, he will challenge attendees to think differently about how workplaces respond to grief, particularly in cases of death by suicide.
It will also touch on the importance of creating emotionally safe, stigma-free environments where conversations about mental health and loss are not avoided. Whatever level of support your organisation offers to bereaved employees, this promises to be a session not to be missed.
In order to find out more, and to register to attend, visit employeebenefitslive.co.uk
Debbie Lovewell-Tuck
Editor
@DebbieLovewell
