Having a certified Grief Coach available in the workplace can be incredibly beneficial to companies for several reasons. Grief and loss are inevitable parts of life, and employees bring their whole selves—including their emotional challenges—into the workplace. Supporting employees through their grief isn’t just compassionate; it’s also smart business.
This is where having a grief coach in the workplace can make a world of difference. A grief coach provides not only emotional support, but also practical tools to help navigate this difficult time. They understand that grief impacts everything—from concentration to productivity, to how they interact with others. A Grief Coach can offer a safe space to process those emotions, guide employees in finding a balance between healing and professional responsibilities, and offer strategies to cope with the stress and emotional rollercoaster that grief brings.
Workplaces that recognize the importance of emotional well-being are already taking a step in the right direction. By bringing in a certified Grief Coach, companies can show that they value the whole person—not just their performance. This support allows grieving employees to feel understood and cared for, reducing feelings of isolation and providing them with the strength and resilience they need to move forward.
When an employee is processing grief, the impact on a company can be quantified in several key areas:
- Productivity: 47% of employees stated their performance was negatively affected; 57% suffered from mental or physical symptoms; 80% had to spend over one hour each workday dealing with grief or estate duties. (source: https://www.empathy.com/employers).
A Grief Coach can help employees navigate their emotions, provide coping strategies, and offer tools to balance work with the grieving process. By providing this emotional support, companies can help employees regain focus and productivity over time, reducing the chances of prolonged disengagement from their roles.
- Absenteeism: Increased absentee rates, resulting in lost work hours and the need for temporary coverage. Thirty work days are lost annually per grieving employee, with an additional 20% continuing to lose workdays due to absenteeism. (source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/08901171221145217e).
A Grief Coach can offer guidance and support, helping employees return to work at a pace that is right for them. With access to this kind of resource, employees are less likely to take extended absences or feel overwhelmed to the point of burnout, leading to greater long-term retention.
- Employee Morale: Reduced team morale can affect overall workplace dynamics, leading to a 10-15% decline in engagement scores. Providing grief coaching resources can help mitigate this, improving overall workplace dynamics, enhancing morale, and maintaining engagement during difficult times.
- Retention: If not supported, the employee may leave the company, with turnover costs averaging 1.5-2 times the employee’s salary. (source:https://builtin.com/recruiting/cost-of-turnover#:~:text=The%20costs%20of%20turnover%20are,cost%20213%20percent%20of%20salary.)
Employees are more likely to stay with a company that demonstrates care and compassion during life’s toughest moments. By offering grief coaching businesses send a strong message that they value their employees as individuals, not just workers. This fosters loyalty and long-term commitment, which ultimately benefits the company by reducing turnover and retaining talent.
- Healthcare Costs: Increased stress and potential health issues may lead to higher healthcare costs. Total health benefit cost per employee is expected to rise 5.8% on average in 2025, even after accounting for planned cost-reduction measures. Employers estimated that their cost would rise by about 7%, on average. (source:https://www.mercer.com/en-us/about/newsroom/employers-expect-third-consecutive-year-of-health-benefit-cost-increases-above-5-percent-in-2025/)
A Grief Coach provides emotional support, which can help alleviate this stress, thereby reducing long-term healthcare expenses for companies. This proactive approach can save companies money by promoting both mental and physical well-being.
- Team Performance: Collaboration and team performance may decline, impacting project timelines and team cohesion. Grief doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it—it impacts the entire team. Colleagues may feel unsure of how to support a grieving coworker, which can lead to discomfort or miscommunication.
A Grief Coach can work with teams to provide insight on how to be supportive, creating a more cohesive and compassionate work environment. This improves overall team dynamics and helps everyone feel more connected during a difficult time.
Overall, the financial and operational impact can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the employee’s role and the company’s size.
Grief doesn’t go away just because an employee clocks in at work, and having a grief coach available can create an environment where healing and working can coexist. A Grief Coach can help companies build a culture of empathy, improve employee well-being, and ultimately create a more resilient, productive workforce. It’s a way for businesses to not only support their people during times of personal loss but also to ensure a healthier, more engaged workplace for everyone.
