Majority of employees lack confidence in employer bereavement support – GRiD

Only 35% of employees said they could rely on their employer to support their family after death, research from GRiD found. 

Around 23% said their employer would provide mental health support like bereavement counselling for their family, and 21% said their employer would offer practical help such as probate or funeral planning.

Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: “Employers have a clear duty to step up and support the families of their employees in the tragic event of a death. 

“However, our research reveals a troubling reality: many employees lack confidence that their employer would provide such support. 

“That lack of trust should give every responsible business pause for thought.”

Moxham added: “The additional support available through group life assurance, beyond a simple lump sum or ongoing payment, is a pragmatic way to ensure employees’ families are cared for.

“As we mark National Grief Awareness Week, which shines a light on where people can turn for bereavement support, it’s vital that employers are seen as one of the first and most trusted sources of that help.”