Workplace support for traumatically bereaved people

This paper reports the findings of a study of bereaved parents' experiences of their return to the workplace following the death of a child to suicide. Six mothers and five fathers aged 44-57 were interviewed about the support provided to them and what they would have found helpful. Their responses suggest organisations need to be more proactive in offering support to traumatically bereaved employees. Organisations should have formal bereavement protocols and policies in place, including access to a named member of staff, and ensure that managers and workers receive training in bereavement awareness and how to support colleagues. Training programmes should be co-delivered or informed by people with personal experience of traumatic bereavement.