When an employee dies

Letting people know when an employee dies

When an employee dies, you will need to inform other members of staff with sensitivity and compassion. Be as honest as you can about the cause of death.

You might want to:

• inform those closest to the employee first
• communicate the news in a private environment if possible
• allow staff time off to grieve and attend the funeral
• encourage employees to seek counselling if necessary
• operate an open-door policy to those people suffering from emotional distress

You can obtain a list of bereavement counsellors from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy website.

Dealing with outside contacts

You also need to contact customers and suppliers - anyone who used to deal with the employee - to let them know of the death. How you do this will depend on the relationship you have with them. You may choose to send out a letter, or you may decide to telephone.

It may be appropriate to arrange a memorial service, especially if the funeral was a small, private service. Always consult the next of kin and be aware of any religious sensitivities before making any arrangements.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• The legal implications when an employee dies at work
• Practical steps when an employee dies
• Letting people know when an employee dies
• Dealing with next of kin when an employee dies

 

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