What is the impact of bereavement in the workplace?
Given that 75% of Irish adults are currently employed, bereavement is a common experience in the workplace, and it can take a toll on a person’s work performance and wellbeing. Employers and unions need to understand and take account of the impact of grief in a workplace. A UK study found that over half of employees would consider leaving their job if they were not treated with compassion following a bereavement 23 . To date, there is limited research on the impact and cost of grief to workplaces in Ireland. However, a study by Irish Hospice Foundation 21 found that:
2 out of 3 people who had been recently bereaved were in employment at the time.
• More than half (56%) of people changed their working arrangements following the bereavement. • 67% of people were aware of people who struggled to be productive in work after a loved one had died.
Why does the Impact of Bereavement and Grief Matter?
Despite the significant impacts of bereavement and grief, support is often invisible in national policies and there are relatively few formal support services delivered. Additionally, many people will be working at the time they experience a bereavement, making employers and workplaces crucial in supporting those who are grieving.
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Dying, Death and Bereavement in Ireland 2026
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