Workplace Wellbeing
Supporting colleagues ahead of their most difficult moments…
Many people struggle with knowing how to close down someone’s life when they die, especially alongside continuing to work and meet ongoing responsibilities.
The increase in workplace bereavement support is wonderful and very much needed. Additionally, it should be recognised that providing end of life planning services before a point of need can further support colleagues during this intensely difficult and challenging time.
Facts & Figures
There is a growing body of research indicating that there is a clear need for end of life planning support in general but also specifically in the workplace:
By 2030, 47% of all over 50s are forecast to be part of the UK labour force, according to a new report from Legal & General Retail Retirement (LGRR) and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr)
Research carried out in light of the pandemic by Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) in 2020 found that the over 40s in the UK: see planning ahead of loss of capacity or end of life as a positive (64%) and necessary (81%) step, and something we should all do more of (77%).
The CIPD report ‘A Guide to Compassionate Bereavement Support’, published in 2020, supports 'Engendering a cultural shift to understand and speak more openly about bereavement' (page 6) and specifically states that, ‘The more open conversations we are able to have around this in society and at work, the better prepared we will be to deal with dying and death.’ (page 7).
Key Reasons to Provide End of Life Planning Services
Facilitate safe spaces
Enables colleagues to talk more openly about challenges they face, thereby fostering greater psychological safety in the workplace, either in-person or under remote working conditions.
Embed company culture and values
Demonstrates a clear commitment to creating a culture and environment that encourages positive and engaged brand ambassadors, keen to champion what a great place it is to work.
Provide holistic support
Strengthens and reinforces the emotional support given to individuals who may be affected by the death and dying process whilst at work, in addition to mental health and bereavement support services.
Cultivate resilience
Fosters the potential to create a grief experience that is not further compounded or complicated by the administrative burdens that come with the closing down of a life and the emotional impact of doing this.