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HR Glossary  /  Bereavement Leave
Bereavement Leave4 min read
Table of Contents:

What is Bereavement Leave?

Bereavement leave is a workplace policy that allows employees to take time off to grieve a family member or close friend. It’s important for employees’ mental and emotional health and for a compassionate work environment. Understanding bereavement leave is key for both employers and employees to have a workplace that recognizes personal loss.

Bereavement leave, also known as funeral leave, is time off to attend a funeral, deal with the affairs of a deceased loved one, or cope with the grief and logistical arrangements that come with losing a close relative or friend.

Why Is Bereavement Leave Important?

Bereavement leave is important for the mental wellbeing of employees. Paid bereavement leave can help with employees’ mental wellbeing by taking the financial stress off during a tough time. Grieving is a personal process, and having time away from work responsibilities can help individuals process their loss without the added stress of their jobs. Providing bereavement leave can also boost employee loyalty and reduce turnover, as employees feel valued and supported when they need it most. Having bereavement leave in the employee handbook ensures consistency and provides clarity for both employees and managers.

The amount of bereavement leave can vary greatly depending on the employer’s policy and the relationship with the deceased. Employees usually get a minimum of 3 days bereavement leave for an immediate family member. Bereavement leave is usually a few days to a week. Some organizations offer more for more immediate family members or more complicated logistical arrangements (e.g. international travel). Some companies offer up to 2 weeks of paid bereavement leave.

Paid Bereavement Leave vs Unpaid Bereavement Leave

Whether bereavement leave is paid or unpaid depends on the employer’s policy and the country’s laws where the organization operates. Some companies offer paid bereavement leave because they recognize employees need support through their grief without financial stress. The leave can be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer’s policy. In many places, bereavement leave is paid. But some employers may offer unpaid leave or a combination of both depending on the situation.

The legal framework for bereavement leave varies by country and sometimes by state or province. In the US, for example, no federal law requires employers to provide bereavement leave, paid or unpaid. However, some states have their own laws that employers must follow. Employers need to be aware of and comply with these laws to avoid disputes and ensure fairness to employees. If bereavement leave is not available, employees can sometimes use sick leave or other types of leave.

Here are some best practices to consider:

  • Clarity and compassion: Clearly define what bereavement leave means, who it applies to, and under what circumstances. Make sure the tone of the policy is compassionate and understanding.
    Include extended family members in the bereavement leave policy to cover blended families.
  • Flexibility: Offer flexible options for bereavement leave as everyone grieves differently.
  • Supportive resources: Provide additional support resources such as counseling services or links to grief support groups to help employees during their time off.

HR Manager Tips

HR managers have a key role to play in supporting grieving employees. Here are some tips:

  • Communicate openly: Make sure all employees are aware of the bereavement leave policy and how to request time off.
  • Offer emotional support: Be empathetic and understanding towards the grieving employee and offer extra support if needed. HR managers can also grant leave for memorial services even if the employee is not covered under the bereavement policy.
  • Confidentiality: Respect the employee’s privacy and keep any information about their situation confidential.

Here are some FAQs:

What documentation is needed for bereavement leave?

Depending on company policy, employers may require a death certificate, funeral service program, or proof of relationship to the immediate family member as documentation to grant bereavement leave.

Are part-time employees eligible for bereavement leave?

Bereavement leave policies vary, but many organizations offer bereavement leave to part-time employees on a pro-rated basis. Eligibility often includes the passing of a family member, such as a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, stepchild, or in-laws.

How does bereavement leave apply to contractors and freelancers?

Independent contractors and freelancers are not usually eligible for bereavement leave under company policies as they are not employees. However, contracts can vary, and some may have leave provisions.

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