Challenges That The Funeral And Burial Services Market Has Faced In 2020

2020 has been a year like none other in recent memory. COVID-19 has changed almost every facet of our lives, for better or worse. The funeral and burial services industry has been hugely impacted by COVID-19, from having to provide socially distanced funerals to coping with new technology and a sheer increase in the number of funerals being held, 2020 has presented unprecedented challenges to the industry.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact every part of our lives, the industry that supports the grieving families has found itself in a difficult position, juggling the moral and ethical requirements of their position with the need to keep up with rising demand.

Increased Demand                                             

Sadly with the rising death rate from COVID-19, many funeral services have found themselves stretched to the limit. From providing socially distanced services, to dealing with a lack of capacity in cemeteries, the sector has been dramatically impacted by the pandemic.

And while funeral directors are busier than ever, social distancing rules have meant that many grieving families are choosing simpler services. This is an understandable reaction to the pandemic but it does curtail many funeral service providers’ earnings.

Technology

Funerals are a vital part of the grieving process for many loved ones. With funerals limited for much of the year, many funeral services have had to adapt to the pandemic by hosting virtual services.

Though virtual services are by no means a new phenomenon, the rapid rise in their use caused by COVID-19 has meant that many funeral providers are having to adapt fast to the changing appearance of funeral services.

This is a change that cannot happen slowly. Funerals are often an integral part of the grieving process and funeral providers have had to adapt almost overnight to providing virtual services that maintain the dignity of all involved.

Pressure To Go Greener

2020 hasn’t just been unique for the COVID-19 pandemic. This year the heat is on more than ever before to tackle climate change by offering greener services.

Making sure that a cemetery has no adverse effects on the environment has been an essential requirement for many years. There is a statutory obligation to ensure that any new cemetery development  undertakes a groundwater risk assessment before work begins on a cemetery. Using a trustworthy, professional company like The CDS Group to undertake detailed groundwater risk assessments is vital for providing the best environmentally friendly burial services possible.

The need to employ a reputable, responsible company has never been greater than in 2020 with the dual impact of COVID-19 and the growing demand from consumers for greener options in every facet of life.

Ethical Demands

The need to provide respectful, dignified burials and funeral services is nothing new. It is at the heart of every decision within the industry. The industry is centered on helping families through the grieving process, but COVID-19 has seriously impacted how many funeral and burial services can support families.

The pandemic has meant however that many providers have to work at flat-out speeds to ensure that funerals are conducted to the maintain dignity and aid the grieving process. Religious requirements must also be taken into careful consideration. The rising number of deaths from COVID-19 is putting significant strain on achieving these goals.

Funeral Poverty

Funeral poverty has been an issue long before 2020 but as employment continues to drop and with many others on reduced income funeral poverty has become as endemic as COVID-19 itself. The rise in need for more funerals this year is another exacerbating factor, as thousands of people across the UK face the heartbreaking reality of having to pay for funerals of loved ones lost to COVID-19 while on reduced pay – or without an income entirely.

With funerals already taking a huge emotional toll on loved ones, it is even harder on relatives if they have no way of paying for a funeral without taking on debt. There have long been clear calls for the industry to take action to help prevent funeral poverty, and this need has once again been brought into sharp relief by the pandemic.

Emotional Impact

The funeral and burial industry is by its nature a highly emotional sector to work in. From dealing with recently bereaved families to taking care of the deceased with dignity and respect, it is undeniably an emotionally taxing place to work.

Staff are integral to the industry and to the families of the deceased. They have to deal with being the ones to inform grieving families that they are unable to view their loved one or that their funeral will have to take place with severely reduced attendees.

The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have only increased the emotional burden on workers in the sector. From having to ensure that grieving families follow social distancing rules to the sheer increase in services being provided this year will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the emotional and mental health of funeral workers.

For more information visit the Cruse Bereavement care website