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DIFF Forum Highlights Grief Support in the Workplace

The June Diversity and Inclusivity Finance Forum (DIFF) focused on grief, bereavement, and how to support bereaved colleagues at work. Speakers at the event discussed the complexity of grief and the importance of workplace compassion.

Danielle Moore, managing director of AE3 Media, opened the event by noting that grief is one of the least understood and discussed subjects in the workplace. Moore shared her personal experience of losing her father after a long illness, highlighting that grief can begin before a loss occurs and that people grieve in different ways. She emphasised the value of employers providing space and flexibility for grieving employees, allowing them to maintain structure and normality if needed.

Lucy Herd, a grief consultant and campaigner, spoke about her own experience of losing her son and described grief as something that cannot be fixed or left at home. Herd stated that grief is not linear and that people experience it differently, even within the same family. She noted that there are around 40 events that can cause grief, including the loss of a home, job, or relationship, in addition to bereavement.

Herd also discussed the lack of employment law regarding bereavement leave at the time of her loss, which led her to campaign for change. This resulted in the creation of Jack’s Law, which provides statutory parental bereavement leave for employees after the death of a child.

A panel discussion included Sharon Midwinter, head of benefits and wellbeing at NatWest, who said the bank offers bereaved employees a minimum of two weeks off and encourages them to use this time. She highlighted the importance of making employees aware of such policies.

The forum underscored the need for understanding and flexible support for employees experiencing grief, which can arise from a wide range of life events. This is relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, who may encounter grief in their teams or among clients, especially in situations involving the loss of a home or significant life changes.