Bereavement is a period of grief or mourning that a person experiences after losing someone. As the name suggests, bereavement leave is also known as death leave or funeral leave. Although there are no written laws on the granting of bereavement leave, most companies offer paid leave for compassionate reasons, to ease the plight of the employee. It is sanctioned by an employer as a time given after the death of a person close to the employee. This gives them the time to grieve, take part in rituals and attend to formalities, if any.
What is the bereavement leave policy?
Most companies offer 3 to 5 days of bereavement leave. This can be extended if the employee is traveling or attending a religious ceremony. In such cases, employees should let managers know in advance and treat it accordingly. Relative bereavement leave or bereavement leave are other known names for bereavement leave in the corporate industry.
Larger companies often have formal policies on how to support bereaved employees. Businesses, small to medium scale companies, work with their employees to familiarize themselves with bereavement leave requirements. Family bereavement or the death of a relative is the most common reason why employers grant such leave of absence to their employees.
The following people qualify as relatives for most employers:
- Siblings
- Parents, including adoptive parents and step-parents
- Civil partner or spouse
- A child, including adoptive children and stepchildren
Some companies also recognize grandparents, grandchildren and the spouse’s parents and siblings. Some companies even allow employees to take bereavement leave following the loss of an extended family member or close friend.
Although it is not critical to have a bereavement policy or bereavement leave policy, your company can show that they care about the well-being of your employees. Given the compassionate nature of leave, companies do not include it as part of benefits. However, there is a certain procedure for applying for bereavement leave. Let’s learn more about the same in detail.
How can I apply for bereavement leave?
Discussing bereavement leave with your employer before taking leave is essential. Most employers will support bereaved employees and understand their need to take time off. Usually, employees request this funeral leave not only as bereavement leave but also to take care of funeral arrangements.
If you are also wondering how employees can request bereavement leave, we will try to help you. You can schedule your bereavement leave as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. However, an employee must follow these steps when requesting bereavement leave.
Check your bereavement leave policy
You can determine whether your company offers paid bereavement leave and how long the time will last. You should also know if your vacation is different from your vacation entitlement or if your company will deduct it from the paid vacation days.
Companies that have bereavement leave policies will outline them in the employee handbook or workplace policy. You can check your handbook to determine your company’s requirements and steps for bereaved employees requesting and taking leave.
Notify your employer as soon as possible
If your loved one is unwell, you should discuss the situation with your employer. This will allow them to prepare for the possibility that you will go on bereavement leave in the near future.
Check your leave entitlement
It depends on the family relationship you have with the deceased. Some companies can also provide leave if the deceased is a distant relative. He or she may be a close friend and their passing can affect your emotional well-being. Given the subjective nature of the holiday, this can vary for people.
Example of bereavement leave
Here is an example of a bereavement leave application to help you save time during these difficult times. The application format for bereavement leave is minimal and intended to inform only your employer/manager.
Dear Mr. Agarwal,
I am sorry to inform you that my XYZ passed away today, tragically and suddenly.
In light of these circumstances, I therefore request to be allowed 5 days of vacation starting today.
Thanks
a B C,
Director of Sales
Detailed sample bereavement letter
When applying for bereavement leave…
Decide how long you want and make a timeline
Consider your responsibilities, mental health and finances when determining how much time you need. Many employees want to take a combination of bereavement leave and regular leave after the personal loss of a loved one. If your company has a generous paid vacation policy, you should take an extended break. Use sick leave or personal leave after such an event.
Notify co-workers
Ask HR or your supervisor to communicate with your colleagues. You should ask human resources or your supervisor to inform your colleagues of the reason and expected time of your leave. This ensures that they manage the work efficiently in your absence accordingly. Also, you do not have to answer questions about your absence when you return to work.
provide the required assistance
Being an honest employee, you would not want to harm the company’s work. Hence, whenever possible, ensure that you leave necessary notes for your existing duties at your workplace to enable your colleagues to manage your responsibilities. If you plan to answer questions during your vacation, add your contact information to a comment. After you come back from such leaves, you can also ask a co-worker to help you with your workload.
After discussing your bereavement leave with your supervisor and HR department, submit your request in writing. Your written leave request will give you and your employer some formal things to refer to during and after your leave. Therefore, it is better to go with the official letter. However, email will suffice for some workplaces. Ask what your company prefers in a face-to-face or telephone meeting.
Documents required for bereavement leave
Sometimes employers can ask for some forms and documentation for bereavement leave. Some businesses ask their employees to provide official documentation supporting their request for bereavement leave:
- This may include copies of obituaries and travel documents.
- This may include all the necessary documentation to ensure your company grants you bereavement leave without delay.
- Some companies have forms that employees sign to ensure they are paid for their bereavement leave.
Coping with grief during bereavement leave
In conclusion, bereavement leave is a crucial benefit that allows employees to devote the time they need to mourn the loss of a loved one without worrying about their job security or financial stability. It is important for employers to understand the significance of this type of leave and provide it as part of their benefits package.
In this way, they can show compassion and support to their employees during a difficult time in their lives. Furthermore, bereavement leave can ultimately improve employee morale, productivity and loyalty, leading to a more positive and cohesive workplace culture. Therefore, it is essential for employers to recognize the value of bereavement leave and offer it as a necessary component of their overall employee benefits package.
Common questions
In India, there is no such rule that mandates giving paid leave for bereavement. Although most companies consider this a paid vacation.
Write your request for bereavement leave in an official and polite manner. Send your request to your company’s HR department. Your company may ask you to include the following with your application:
1. Include your loved one’s name, date and place of death and the relationship they shared with you.
2. How much bereavement leave do you want to take?
3. When do you plan to return to work?
4. Any arrangement you made for other employees to take your position in your absence.
5. Are you available by phone or email to discuss work matters.
6. You must acknowledge your employer’s understanding during the probationary period.
According to Indian law, this is a grant of paid leave from work to an employee at the time of the death of a close family member or close relative such as parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, children and in-laws. He or she will be entitled to leave for up to 7 days.
No rule requires offering paid leave for bereavement. However, most companies offer bereavement leave as a separate rate and treat it like sick leave or vacation.
Most companies do not request proof of death in the event of the death of a close family member. If necessary, you can request the arbitrary note or the funeral plan.
