Study highlights the costs beyond the bill in terms of poorer health, workplace difficulties, and strained relationships and calls for shift in standards of support and preparation
Empathy, the leading platform that combines technology with human touch to transform how people plan for and navigate life’s most challenging moments, today released its fourth annual research report on The Grief Tax. The report exposes the true cost of loss, not just in dollars and time, but also its impacts on health, relationships, and careers, shedding light on how these effects differ between generations and how one’s relationship and role in the process can have significant repercussions. The Grief Tax, defined as the financial, logistical, and emotional toll that loss takes, is the hidden cost that few of us talk about or know how to prepare for effectively. The report underscores the need for cultural progress and conversation around the impact of grief to more effectively support those experiencing the loss of a loved one.
Grief is a universal human experience that everyone will face at some point in their life; without proper support, the emotional toll can be compounded by the demands of daily life and the logistics associated with wrapping up a loved one’s affairs.
- The process is long and grueling. It can take up to 20 months to settle all of the necessary affairs.
- Preparation is lacking but influential. Based on current industry reporting, only 24%1 of adults reported having a will in 2025. In our research, over two-thirds reported they lacked access to essential documents for getting things in order, extending the time to finalize affairs.
- There’s a silent crisis seeping into work. Nearly 90% reported experiencing anxiety during grief, with over 90% reporting productivity and concentration challenges at work.
- The study spanned generations Gen Z through Silent, with the Sandwich Generation (Millinnials and Gen X) bearing a dramatically disproportionate burden. They experienced up to 40% more physical and 36% more emotional symptoms than other generations while carrying the greatest financial and administrative responsibilities.
- Estate executors comprised 62% of those surveyed. They were overwhelmingly women (68%), with 75% experiencing panic attacks while over 70% also served as the primary caregiver for the person who died.
“What The Grief Tax report underscores is that the impact of losing a loved one can be vast and complicated, and goes beyond emotional and administrative challenges,” said Ron Gura, Co-Founder & CEO, Empathy. “There continues to be a gap in traditional support systems and benefits, and there is a need for open conversation and understanding about the compounding effects grief can have within our homes and workplaces, and on our overall wellbeing. By acknowledging the layers of burden and breaking down the taboos surrounding loss, we can work toward creating new standards and more comprehensive support systems that address both the financial and emotional challenges of loss.”
The Grief Tax and the Workplace
Millennials and members of Gen X, or the Sandwich Generation who make up 67% of the workforce, face the highest Grief Tax, juggling planning and logistics, busy careers, finances, and caregiving for children or other loved ones. On average, most companies offer five days2 of bereavement leave, but direct impacts of loss on one’s work life and job performance can last for up to 18 months, with grief and logistics essentially becoming an invisible side job that demands time, splits focus, and negatively affects productivity. A staggering 90% reported loss of productivity and lack of concentration, three out of four (74%) respondents reported at least one work impact like reduced salary or wage, missed an opportunity for raise or promotion, or feared losing their job or health insurance. An alarming 79% of respondents considered quitting their jobs while 76% feared being let go entirely. Despite recent improvements many companies have made in their bereavement leave policies, workplace support systems still consistently fall short, leaving employees isolated and silently suffering.
The Grief Tax and Its Health Impacts
While increased attention has been paid to mental health and wellbeing in our culture, conversations about the health impacts of loss and grief remain largely absent, and the topic may even be considered taboo. Grief can take a physical toll: 66% of all respondents reported panic attacks. Executors were hit even harder with 75% experiencing panic attacks, and 70% of them seeking medical treatment or mental health support. Other physical and emotional consequences suffered across all populations include sleep disruption, chronic headaches, anxiety, and cognitive strain, with many suffering from three or four of these symptoms. Meanwhile, 65.3% of all respondents reported that grief impacted their ability to participate in everyday activities, with 41.6% admitting to withdrawing socially from family and friends.
The Grief Tax and Financial Ramifications
There is a massive gap in financial preparedness and general understanding of the costs associated with loss. Financial costs can average around $12,5003 since the initial report in 2022 and into 2024, this year’s report examined how these costs were covered. Half of all respondents had to use personal funds to cover loss-related expenses. More than half (55%) used credit cards, and nearly 15% borrowed money from a bank or took out a loan—risking prolonged, personal financial hardship.
“While grief is a deeply unique experience, what this report brings to light is that there are universal truths to loss and how grief can manifest itself across generations,” said David Kessler, Chief Empathy Officer at Empathy. “For the sandwich generation, and for those who are caregivers before and after loss, the emotional and logistical toll can be overwhelming. Empathy is helping to change the dialogue and societal expectations around how to best support those going through the grieving process, and that is something we’re proud of.”
The complete Grief Tax report is available at empathy.com/thegrieftax.
ABOUT EMPATHY
Empathy is a leading technology company transforming the way people plan for and navigate life’s toughest moments. Serving over 40 million people across North America Empathy currently partners with seven of the top ten U.S. life insurance carriers and handles one in five life insurance claims nationwide. With $90 million in funding from top-tier venture firms including Index Ventures and General Catalyst, as well as strategic investment from global insurance leaders including Allianz, MassMutual, MetLife, New York Life, Securian, and Sumitomo, Empathy combines cutting-edge innovation with compassion to provide unparalleled support for bereavement, estate management, legacy planning, and more. Recognized by Apple, Google Play, and Fast Company, Empathy is setting the standard for modern family care and workplace benefits. Learn more at www.empathy.com.
1 Wills and Estate Planning Study, 2025
2 The Cost of Dying Report, 2024
3 The Cost of Dying Report, 2024
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