I've been bereaved

We know losing a loved one is life-changing, and there's no perfect way to grieve.

Recognising this impact, we want to make accessing support simple for you.

On this page, you'll find resources and links to explore at your own pace. Remember you're not alone, and help is available.

Grieving is personal, and there's no right or wrong way.

While everyone's experience is unique, understanding common stages can help us know what to expect and reduce feelings of isolation.

Grieving is unique to each person, and despite what we may have been told, there is no set timeline.

Even after a long time of adapting to our new reality, unexpected moments of grief can be triggered by sounds, smells, or memories, especially on significant dates.

It's important to remember that grief is a natural process, not an illness. While it can be incredibly painful, the majority of people recover without professional help. The processing of grief involves tasks like accepting the loss, feeling our emotions, adjusting to a changed environment, finding ways to remember our loved one, and rebuilding our beliefs. These tasks are not in a specific order and can be revisited as needed.

Your line manager will likely be your primary support. They should meet with you to discuss appropriate adjustments, such as time off for funeral arrangements or legal matters as well as time to grieve your loss itself. 

Use this meeting to share any wishes you have, like what if anything will be told to your colleagues and how you would like to keep in touch while you're away.

Your manager should be able to tell you what the company policy is for time away from work and any other support offered. 

Returning to work after a loss can be difficult. It can be helpful to let colleagues know if you'd like to talk about what has happened. If it's too hard for you, ask a manager or colleague to share any details on your behalf.

Consider ways to make it easier to ease back into work, like returning at the end of the week or part-time initially. Most people prefer to be treated normally, and work can sometimes be a welcomed distraction from our grief.

However, it's completely normal if your grief affects you at work. Many share they struggle to concentrate or focus at work after a bereavement. You may also have physical or mental symptoms to cope with. If you're struggling, let your manager and colleagues know and ask what accommodations can be made to support you, such as flexible working arrangements or temporarily reducing your workload.

You can find additional support resources in the useful links section, including how to access specialist support. 

Complicated grief, though not an illness, can make it challenging to move forward with our grief. Most people learn to cope with their grief within 18 months to two years, but if your grief is still impacting your day-to-day life—sleep problems, poor appetite, or depression—seek help from your GP.

Don't wait until it's desperate; there is no shame in asking for help. If your employer has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), you can use the confidential helpline for advice or to arrange face-to-face counselling sessions. There are also many specialist organisations that can offer free support. Check with your HR team for all the available options.

Compassionate Employers signpost to a range of helplines and online communities that provide specialist support, often at no cost.