BUSINESSES are not prepared to deal with the impact of staff bereavement and terminal illnesses in the workplace, new research has revealed.
The study by Dublin-based insurance company MetLife found nearly half of HR departments do not have agreed policies in place to cope with the aftermath of the death of an employee.
In addition, the report found that two-thirds do not have agreed procedures for supporting staff that are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Employees are entitled to be permitted by their employer to take a reasonable amount of time off during the employee’s working hours in order to take any action which is necessary in consequence of the death of a dependent.
In response, MetLife has launched a toolkit including guides, videos and advice on managing the impact bereavement can have in the workplace to help support HR departments and brokers.
The toolkit also includes practical hints and considerations to help employers respond in a timely manner when faced with this unenviable situation, so that the employee receives immediate and ongoing support for as long as they need it.
The research also shows HR departments are generally sympathetic to supporting bereaved members of staff, with 92 per cent saying they offer flexible working to staff.
However, there is an acceptance that more needs to be done – two out of five HR departments say they are considering providing training for line managers to help them support staff while a third say they will consider introducing specialist support services.
Tom Gaynor, employee benefits director at MetLife UK said companies need to have agreed procedures in place to ensure staff and their families have support when they need it.
“Companies clearly want to be supportive and sympathetic but it is surprising that so many do not have clear policies and procedures in place for bereavement in the workplace,” he said.
“HR departments recognise it is an issue but need support in addressing it.”
