Grief Awareness Week: “Growing with Grief”
“Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape” CS Lewis
Like most people with a few years on the clock, I have experience with grief. I have lost both parents, both parents-in-law, the majority of uncles and aunts, plus friends, pets, colleagues, and by miscarriage – alongside the grief outside of bereavement caused by illness, job uncertainty and financial difficulty. Every single one of my experiences of grief has been different, some have totally unhinged me, and some have proved more manageable. The common factor is that I have been at work during all of these experiences, and it has been the kindness and compassion of colleagues that has carried me through (as well as my lovely family and friends) alongside the regular rhythms of work.
So – grief is a universal experience, yet it often remains a silent struggle. National Grief Awareness Week (NGAW) exists to change that. It’s a time to acknowledge that grief is a natural response to loss and to remind people that they don’t have to face it alone. Humans are wired for connection. When that connection is broken, the nervous system reacts with stress responses – sadness, yearning, even physical pain because our brain interprets separation as a threat to survival. The week encourages open conversations, empathy, and practical support for those navigating loss.
Why This Matters in the Workplace
• 1 in 4 working-age people in the UK experienced a bereavement in the past year that’s nearly 8 million employees. Workplace grief costs the UK economy an estimated £23 billion annually, largely due to absenteeism and reduced productivity.
• Despite this, only 3% of bereaved adults seek comfort from their employer, and many feel pressured to return to work before they’re ready.
Creating a supportive environment isn’t just compassionate, it’s good for business. Research shows that 77% of employees aged 18–34 would consider leaving their job if they felt unsupported after a loss.
How we can show support
Here are some practical steps workplaces can take during NGAW and beyond:
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Create safe spaces for colleagues to share their experiences without fear of judgment. Active listening matters.
• Offer Flexibility: Adjust deadlines or allow remote work for those coping with grief. Flexibility reduces stress and helps employees manage practical matters.
• Promote Resources: Share information about Employee Assistance Programs, counselling services, and support groups.
• Review Bereavement Policies: Consider inclusive policies that allow time off for any “important person,” not just immediate family. Some leading employers offer up to 10 days paid leave and flexibility to use it over a year.
• Small Acts of Kindness: Simple gestures like checking in, offering help with workload, or sending a supportive message can make a big difference.
Remember, grief has no timeline, and there’s no “right way” to feel. By fostering empathy and flexibility, we can make our workplace a safer, more supportive space for everyone.
Gill Edwards, WUN Advocate.
Other sources of support are below.
Home – Cruse Bereavement Support
Home | Grief Support | National Grief Advice Service
Sue Ryder | Because no one should face death or grief alone