Have you ever thought about how a deeply human experience like grief can profoundly impact our workplace environment?

Grief impacts everyone, yet it’s often overlooked in our daily lives. Research shows that up to 60% of individuals experience significant grief, affecting their mental health and overall well-being. By raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment, we can make a meaningful difference in how people navigate these challenging experiences.

According to the UK Commission on Bereavement (UKCB), bereavement costs the UK economy an estimated £23 billion annually with a staggering £16 billion attributed to presenteeism. This alone underscores the profound impact bereavement has on workplace productivity and overall economic health.

New Series of Thornfields Webinars

Our new series of webinars has been designed by expert Helen McMenamin, who will deliver an introductory session on Wednesday 18th September at 1230. In the weeks following there will also be a specialist advice session for managers, and one for employees. She’ll discuss:

• Understanding Grief's Impact: Examine how grief affects employees' mental, emotional, and physical well-being and its impact on workplace performance.
• Creating a Supportive Culture: Discover strategies for building a compassionate workplace environment with effective bereavement policies and ongoing support

So come along and be empowered on the topic of bereavement – get your toolkit and resources set up now, because you never know when grief will find you. With Helen’s help, you’ll be prepared for bereavements of all kinds at work.

About Helen McMenamin

Helen combines her professional experience with personal insight to offer a unique expertise in grief and bereavement support. Her journey, shaped by working with individuals facing mental health challenges and her own experiences of profound loss, led her to create The Flying Fish Company. Through this platform, Helen delivers impactful training that helps organisations support employees during challenging times. She also hosts the podcast Navigating Life After Loss, where she candidly shares her experiences, offering understanding and comfort to those who feel isolated in their grief, and providing valuable insight for those supporting others on their journey.

Helen will be presenting a series of Thornfields webinars starting on Wednesday 18th September @ 1230, on Navigating Grief in the Workplace. Click here to sign up now!

Thornfields also run a course on Handling Difficult Conversations where you'll learn the skills to allow you to sensitively and effectively discuss difficult subjects.