Managing employee bereavement

While many bereaved employees will be able to manage their loss reasonably well, others can struggle to cope. Grief can interfere with an individual's thought processes, concentration and sleep patterns.

This can impact their work and relationships with managers and colleagues.

Using a well-managed approach to bereavement could help them to cope better - knowing that they are supported by their employer can help them through the process.

Other benefits to managing bereavement effectively include:

• helping the employee to return to productivity
• helping to reduce absenteeism
• addressing the impact on other employees
• strengthening employees' morale