Bereavement Leave Policies

Bereavement Policies
The loss of a loved one is a traumatic event and more employers are reviewing their policies to provide more help to employees. Employers offering paid Bereavement leave has increased over the last few years and typically three to seven paid workdays are provided. As employers review their Bereavement leave policies, the following are considered.

• Time off not only for the funeral, but for handling of the estate and financial matters. 
• Coverage for immediate family members but also other relatives and close friends.
• Time off for pregnancy-related grief, whether the result of a miscarriage, failed in vitro fertilization or another cause.
• Flexible Work schedules to allow employees to attend to family needs or make funeral arrangements.
• Pet Bereavement can be traumatic and allowing time off to grieve a pet can be very helpful.

In addition to the Bereavement leave, consider the emotional support an employee may need. Trouble concentrating and being less productive may occur after an employee has experienced a loss.  Manager support, Employee Assistance Programs, additional time off and normalizing conversations about bereavement can help establish a supportive environment.