Accommodating Bereaved Parents in the Workplace: A Scoping Review

J Loss Trauma. 2023;28(4):348-363. doi: 10.1080/15325024.2022.2122221. Epub 2022 Sep 20.

Abstract

Helpful workplace support strategies and accommodations (WSSA) for bereaved parents returning to work was assessed via comprehensive search of databases from 1990-1/21/22. 11 of 45 qualitative articles met inclusion. Bereaved parents often felt returning to work provided a coping strategy for and/or distraction from grief; however, some received insensitive comments by employer/coworkers. Helpful WSSA included flexibility on date to return to work and schedule. In conclusion, due to the intensity of their grief, bereaved parents benefit from a workplace offering individualized time off for bereavement & workplace accommodations to address potential difficulty meeting prior productivity demands.

Keywords: bereavement; child death; parent; workplace accommodations; workplace support.