Grief counseling in the workplace is crucial because grief can affect employees’ focus, attendance, communication, engagement, and performance. According to Spring Health’s 2026 Workplace Mental Health Annual Report, employees who experienced grief in the past year were more likely to struggle with other mental health challenges.

What is Grief Counseling in the Workplace?

Grief counseling in the workplace is confidential mental health support that helps employees process loss while staying connected to care, work, and daily life. It may include therapy, coaching, or other services, depending on the employee’s needs and the benefits their employer offers.

HR leaders should have a grief support system that combines policy, manager guidance, and fast access to mental health care. This system should account for cultural, religious, family, and personal differences. Employees may need time for rituals or travel, privacy, or acknowledgement of their loss from colleagues.

Supporting Grieving Employees

Managers should be trained to respond with care and connect employees to resources. They should notice changes in employees’ behavior, ask what support would help, and document any changes in performance expectations. HR leaders can support grieving employees by offering clear leave options, flexibility, manager guidance, and confidential mental health resources.

A strong workplace grief support plan includes five parts: clear policies, trained managers, flexible return-to-work options, mental health benefits, and a system for connecting employees to the right support. By having such a plan in place, employers can help their employees navigate difficult times and maintain a healthy and productive work environment.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.