Funeral Women Lead, a 501(c)(3) foundation supporting women in the funeral and deathcare industry, released findings today from its 2026 Pulse Survey. The six-month study collected responses from 555 women across various career stages and age groups within the field.
The findings indicate that while industry commitment remains strong, unresolved working conditions cause widespread fatigue. Seventy-three percent of respondents report feeling emotionally depleted at least occasionally. Despite these challenges, 75 percent state they intend to remain in the field over the next 12 months.
“This isn’t a retention crisis,” said Lisa Baue, Funeral Women Lead Founder and CEO. “It’s a burnout crisis due to low compensation, staffing shortfalls and a lack of sponsorship and mentorship. Women are telling us what challenges they face, and what’s wearing them down. They’re also telling owners and leaders in this profession how to address it. It’s our job to listen and share this information with the entire profession.”
Survey participants identified compensation and staffing as the top areas needing improvement, cited by 36 percent and 30 percent of respondents respectively. Mentorship and sponsorship also represent major gaps. Seventy-seven percent of respondents currently lack a mentor or sponsor, although 49 percent express a desire for one. The study defines a mentor as an advisor, whereas a sponsor actively advocates for an individual’s career advancement.
The study shows that higher positions do not resolve these issues. Only 39 percent of respondents report high or very high influence in their workplaces, and nearly 20 percent of those holding director or executive roles still seek leadership development. Mid-career professionals face the highest levels of burnout. Women with 6 to 15 years of experience report the highest rates of emotional depletion at 41 percent, alongside high rates of added work, with 55 percent taking on stretch assignments in the past year. Among generational groups, Gen Z respondents express the highest intent to remain in the field at 92 percent, reporting that their primary challenges involve connection and mentorship rather than job satisfaction.
In response to the study’s results, Funeral Women Lead offers several targeted programs. The Women’s Leadership Academy provides an 18-month curriculum focused on mentorship and career promotion. Community Membership offers peer networking across all career levels, and the Unleashed Leadership & Wellness Summit addresses pay, burnout, and career advancement.
The complete report, titled 2026 State of Women in Funeral Service, is accessible at www.funeralwomenlead.org/state-of-the-women-2026.
About Funeral Women Lead
Funeral Women Lead is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on supporting women working in the funeral and deathcare industries. The organization provides coaching, mentorship programs, a leadership academy, wellness initiatives, and professional development scholarships. For additional details, visit www.funeralwomenlead.org.
