Case Study: Grief Awareness Week with Blake Morgan LLP
Overview Blake Morgan LLP, a leading UK law firm, recognised the importance of addressing grief in the workplace and asked us to deliver a Grief Awareness Week webinar. The session would be co-hosted by Chair and Business Group Head Helen Bunker to encourage staff to be open about their own grief experience.
The Need With employees at all levels experiencing bereavement, Blake Morgan LLP wanted to create an open dialogue around grief, ensuring that managers and colleagues had the awareness and tools to offer meaningful support. The session aimed to acknowledge and validate personal experiences, offer practical guidance, and highlight the importance of workplace flexibility when supporting grieving employees.
“One of our best attended and more talked about workshops of last year” Helen Bunker, Chair
The Session we discussed grief in all it’s forms, its impact on individuals, and the role of workplace support. Topics covered included:
- The deeply personal nature of grief and its long-term impact.
- The importance of recognising grief beyond immediate bereavement leave.
- Practical ways colleagues and managers can support grieving employees.
- Common phrases to avoid and what to say instead.
- The significance of small gestures, such as meal support, during difficult times.
Participant Feedback The session resonated strongly with attendees, who shared how it validated their personal experiences and provided new perspectives on handling grief at work:
“This was a great opportunity to learn about grief. Louise’s presentation helped to validate some of the ways I have been feeling about the deaths of my loved ones, and I realised that I hadn’t expressed this before to friends and family.”
“Thank you so much, Louise, for such a helpful and important session. So much of what you said resonated strongly with me, having lost my father quite suddenly at a relatively young age. I was, thankfully, very well supported by my employer and immediate management team. I agree that flexibility is key, as grief is so personal. Loss really does rearrange the world and make you a completely different person.”
Participants also appreciated practical takeaways, such as avoiding common yet unhelpful phrases like “Are you OK?” when returning to work, as well as the importance of small, supportive actions, such as providing meals for grieving families.
Impact and Takeaways Blake Morgan LLP’s commitment to grief awareness has set a strong foundation for fostering a supportive work culture. The session reinforced that they are committed to playing a crucial role in making grief a less isolating experience by:
- Encouraging open conversations about loss.
- Providing structured yet flexible support
- Equipping managers with the right tools to navigate bereavement in the workplace.
Looking Ahead Armadillo Life is proud to partner with companies like Blake Morgan LLP to help create compassionate workplace environments. If your organisation is interested in hosting a similar session, get in touch to learn how we can support your team in building grief awareness and resilience.
