Marvin OnumonuBereavement was the fourth most common reason for referral to RedArc’s support services over the past decade, according to data.
RedArc said more needed to be done to support people who have lost a loved one.
The organisation stressed that proper support is key for long-term wellbeing.
If grief is not addressed, it can affect both physical and mental health, leading to more problems down the line.
RedArc called for insurers to work with third-party specialists to provide good quality grief support.
Employers were urged to partner with providers who can offer professional care to staff at difficult times.
Christine Husbands, commercial consultant at RedArc, said: “It’s remarkable that almost everyone will experience the loss of someone close at some point in their lives, yet despite this shared reality, so many still feel they don’t have the right support or the right people to talk to. We can – and must – do better.”
RedArc found that bereavement is a universal experience, but the way people deal with grief is different.
Some find going back to work helps, others find it overwhelming.
Talking about the person who died may help some but be too painful for others.
Additionally, RedArc stated that there can be extra challenges in blended families where different views on arrangements and grieving can cause tension.
Employers and insurers must recognise that everyone heals in their own way.
The research found wide variation in how long it takes people to adjust after a bereavement.
On average, nurses at RedArc provided support for about four months.
In around 8% of cases, support lasted more than a year.
Most referrals were not made straight after the loss, but when people noticed their recovery was not moving as they hoped.
Insurers are now offering broader grief support, including help with arranging probate and other practical tasks.
Employers were urged to make sure their own guidance matches the external support available, by talking to staff about what would help them most and responding as needs change over time.
Consistent support from the same person was found to be important for building trust.
Access to professionals able to signpost people to other organisations, such as specialist grief charities, was also highlighted.
Resources for children, talking therapies, and complementary therapies were seen as helpful.
Husbands added: “Unaddressed grief can be a silent burden, with the potential to cause serious physical or emotional consequences later in life.
“It’s important to recognise that there is no right or wrong way to grieve – but there is a right way to provide support, and that’s by ensuring it is both comprehensive and highly individualised.”
