The death of an employee is a difficult, uncomfortable topic to broach, but a necessary one. Unfortunately, nearly half of HR departments say they do not have an agreed-upon policy to deal with the death of an employee, and nearly two-thirds say they don’t have procedures in place for supporting staff members who are diagnosed with a terminal illness. “Bereavement is sadly something which will affect most employees and companies need to have agreed on procedures in place to ensure staff and their families have support when they need it,” said Tom Gaynor, employee benefits director at MetLife UK. “Companies clearly want to be supportive and sympathetic, but it is surprising that so many do not have clear policies and procedures in place for bereavement in the workplace. HR departments recognize it is an issue but need support in addressing it.” The research showed HR departments are generally sympathetic to supporting grieving staff members, with 92 percent saying they offer flexible work schedules and 24 percent providing access to bereavement help through the employee benefits provider. About 13 percent even offer face-to-face counseling.