The report shows that only 24 percent of adults had a will in 2025, and more than two-thirds lacked access to essential documents needed to settle affairs, a process that can take up to 20 months.
Without proper support, grief’s emotional toll is worsened by administrative tasks and workplace stress.
Executors, most of whom were women, reported high levels of panic attacks (75 percent), with 70 percent seeking medical or mental health treatment.
Overall, 66 percent of survey participants reported panic attacks, and 90 percent cited productivity and concentration challenges at work.
While companies may offer five days of bereavement leave, the effects of loss can last up to 18 months. During that time, 79 percent of respondents considered quitting, and 76 percent feared termination.