How employers respond to employees who return to the workplace after experiencing the death of a loved one? A review of the literature

In order to provide insight for employers in maintaining a mentally healthy and productive workforce, it is essential to understand how bereaved employees experience workplace support. A global literature search was conducted between February 2018 and April 2018, resulting in 15 papers directly matching stipulated inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three common themes emerged from the data namely; Instrumental Support, Informational Support and Emotional Support.

Findings suggest that while various employers endeavoured to show sympathy and flexibility to bereaved employees, others were found to be less responsive with certain areas of workplace support being reported as insufficient.