What is Bereavement Leave? | Meaning & Definition | Akrivia HCM

What is bereavement leave?

Bereavement leave is an unpaid leave of absence from work that is granted to an employee in the event of the death of a family member or close friend. The amount of time off, eligibility requirements, and policies regarding leave vary from employer to employer. Some employers may provide paid leave, while others may offer unpaid leave or allow employees to take a vacation or personal days instead. Some employers may also allow employees to take leave to attend funerals or memorial services, while others may not. Before taking the leave, employees should check with their employer to learn more about the company’s policies and procedures.

How does bereavement leave work?

Different employers may have different policies and practices for granting leave. Depending on the employer, leave may be paid or unpaid, ranging from a few hours to several days or weeks.  It’s important to check with the employer for their specific bereavement leave policy.

Do you get paid leave during bereavement?

No, you are not eligible for paid leave. However, some employers may offer paid leave to employees.

What should you include in the bereavement leave policy?

1. Eligibility: Clearly outline the eligibility criteria for leave such as length of the employment.
2. Length of Leave: Establish the length of leave, such as 3 to 5 days or a minimum of one additional day for travel.
3. Compensatory Time Off: The policy should state whether employees will be compensated for the time off and under what circumstances.
4. Exemptions: The policy should address any exemptions from the procedure, such as in the case of a death in the employee’s immediate family.
5. Pay: It should state whether employees get paid during bereavement leave.
6. Documentation: The policy should outline the type of documentation that an employee must provide to verify his or her death, and the details of the leave.

How long is bereavement leave?

The amount of bereavement leave an employer offers may vary depending on company policies. Generally, employers provide three days of leave for immediate family members, such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, and one day of leave for non-family members.