Bereavement and cancer resulting in unexpected absences. 

Employers are underestimating the likelihood of a serious issue affecting their staff in the next 12 months, according to research by GRiD, the industry body for the group risk protection sector.

Despite nearly four in five (78%) HR professionals at larger employers having supported a member of staff at their current workplace through bereavement, their prediction of needing to do the same in the forthcoming 12 months is lower at 65%.

Similarly, three quarters of HRs at larger companies (76%) have dealt with an employee being absent for six months or longer, but the perceived likelihood of doing this again in the next 12 months is just 60%.

The survey shows further gaps in perception versus reality exist when HRs considered dealing with staff with mental health problems; dealing with staff who have been diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer or stroke; and dealing with the death of an employee.

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