What is bereavement leave?

Bereavement leave is a type of leave that is granted to employees upon the death of a family member or loved one. It allows them time to grieve, make funeral arrangements, and attend funeral services without the additional stress of work obligations.

Bereavement leave is a compassionate response to a personal loss and is typically outlined in a company’s employee handbook or leave policy.

Is bereavement leave paid?

In some jurisdictions, paid bereavement leave is a legal requirement.

In places where it’s not, it’s down to the discretion of the employer. However, most companies offer paid bereavement leave as part of their benefits package to support employees during difficult times.

You should clearly communicate your bereavement leave policies, including whether the leave is paid or unpaid, in your employee handbook.

How long is bereavement leave?

Again, this depends on the labour laws in your employee’s jurisdiction.

If there are no such laws, employers commonly provide the following:

3 to 5 days of leave for the death of an immediate family member (such as a parent)
1 to 3 days for the death of an extended family member (such as a grandparent)

Some employers may provide a significant amount of additional leave or flexibility based on the circumstances, especially if the death involves a spouse or a child.

Things to consider

Whether you are required by law or not, you should develop a clear bereavement leave policy. It should clarify eligibility, duration, and whether the leave is paid or unpaid, and should be communicated effectively to all employees.

Ensure that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, and that it accommodates different cultural practices and individual needs.

Bereavement leave