Bereavement Leave: What Employees and Employers Need to Know
Losing a loved one creates profound emotional upheaval that extends far beyond personal grief, often disrupting professional responsibilities when support is needed most. Bereavement leave provides essential time and space for employees to process loss, attend funeral services, and handle necessary arrangements without the added pressure of work obligations. See how eLeaP®’s Performance Management Platform helps you apply these insights to drive better results.
Understanding bereavement leave rights, requirements, and best practices helps both employees and employers navigate these sensitive situations with clarity and compassion. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about bereavement leave policies, legal frameworks, and emerging trends shaping workplace support in 2025.
What Qualifies as Bereavement Leave
Bereavement leave, also known as compassionate leave or funeral leave, grants employees time off following the death of a family member or loved one. The primary purposes of bereavement leave include providing emotional support during grief, facilitating funeral arrangements, and promoting mental health during challenging times.
Most bereavement leave policies cover immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings. However, modern bereavement leave approaches increasingly recognize extended family relationships, domestic partners, and even close friends who hold family-like significance in an employee’s life.
The duration of bereavement leave typically ranges from three to five days for immediate family members, though some employers offer more generous bereavement leave allowances. Extended family bereavement leave may vary from one to three days, depending on company policy and the relationship to the deceased.
Legal Framework for Bereavement Leave
United States Bereavement Leave Laws
Currently, no federal law mandates bereavement leave in the United States. However, several states have enacted their bereavement leave legislation:
California: Employees are entitled to up to five days of unpaid bereavement leave following the death of a family member.
Illinois: The Family Bereavement Leave Act provides eligible employees up to two weeks of unpaid bereavement leave for the death of a family member, including domestic partners and in-laws.
Oregon became the first state to require paid bereavement leave in 2023, mandating up to two weeks of bereavement leave with a maximum of 12 weeks per calendar year.
While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) doesn’t specifically address bereavement leave, it may apply when employees need to care for seriously ill family members before their death.
International Bereavement Leave Requirements
United Kingdom: Employees have the right to take “reasonable” time off for emergencies, including the death of a loved one. Duration and payment depend on the employer’s policies, as statutory bereavement leave does not exist in this context.
Australia: Employees receive two days of paid compassionate leave for the death or life-threatening illness of immediate family members. Casual employees may take unpaid bereavement leave.
Canada: Employees are entitled to five days of bereavement leave upon a family member’s death, with the first three days paid if employed for more than three consecutive months.
New Zealand: Provides three days of paid bereavement leave for close family member deaths, with an additional day at the employer’s discretion for other relationships.
Employee Rights and Bereavement Leave Procedures
Who Is Eligible for Bereavement Leave
Bereavement leave eligibility typically depends on the relationship between the employee and the deceased. Most organizations define immediate family to include:
- Spouse, domestic partner, or civil union partner
- Parents, stepparents, and adoptive parents
- Children, stepchildren, and adopted children
- Siblings and step-siblings
- Grandparents and grandchildren
- In-laws (parents-in-law, siblings-in-law)
Progressive bereavement leave policies may extend coverage to close friends, chosen family members, or even pets, reflecting an evolving understanding of the meaning of meaningful relationships.
How to Request Bereavement Leave
When facing a loss, employees should follow these bereavement leave request procedures:
- Notify immediately: Contact your supervisor or HR department about your bereavement leave need as soon as possible
- Specify relationship: Clearly state your relationship to the deceased
- Indicate duration: Communicate the expected bereavement leave length needed
- Provide documentation: Submit required proof, such as a death certificate or obituary
- Follow company procedures: Adhere to specific bereavement leave request processes outlined in company policy
Documentation Requirements for Bereavement Leave
Most employers require some form of documentation to verify bereavement leave requests:
- Death certificate (most common requirement)
- Obituary or funeral program
- Medical examiner’s report
- Funeral home documentation
However, compassionate employers often minimize documentation burdens for bereavement leave, recognizing the additional stress during difficult times.
Paid vs Unpaid Bereavement Leave
Bereavement leave compensation varies significantly between organizations:
Paid Bereavement Leave: Many employers offer fully paid bereavement leave, especially for immediate family deaths. Duration typically ranges from three to ten days.
Unpaid Bereavement Leave: Some companies provide unpaid bereavement leave or require employees to use accrued vacation time or personal leave.
Combination Approach: Certain organizations offer paid bereavement leave for immediate family members and unpaid leave for extended family, or allow employees to supplement bereavement leave with paid time off (PTO).
Employer Guidelines for Bereavement Leave Policies
Creating Comprehensive Bereavement Leave Policies
Effective bereavement leave policies should clearly define:
- Eligible relationships for different bereavement leave durations
- Whether bereavement leave is paid or unpaid
- Documentation requirements and submission procedures
- Process for requesting and approving bereavement leave
- Flexibility options for taking bereavement leave (consecutive vs. intermittent)
- Additional support resources are available during bereavement leave
Best Practices for Managing Bereavement Leave
Offer Paid Leave: Providing paid bereavement leave demonstrates organizational empathy and supports employee financial stability during a crisis.
Maintain Flexibility: Allow employees to take bereavement leave in a manner that best suits their needs, whether consecutively or spread over time.
Train Management: Equip supervisors with skills to handle bereavement leave requests sensitively and efficiently.
Provide Support Resources: Offer access to counseling services, employee assistance programs, or grief support groups.
Streamline Approval: Implement quick bereavement leave approval processes to reduce employee stress during difficult times.
Legal Compliance for Bereavement Leave
Employers must ensure that bereavement leave policies comply with applicable state and local laws. As more jurisdictions consider bereavement leave legislation, staying current with legal requirements becomes increasingly important.
Regular reviews of bereavement leave policies help ensure compliance while maintaining competitiveness in attracting employees who value comprehensive bereavement leave benefits.
Emerging Trends in Bereavement Leave
Expanded Family Definitions
Modern bereavement leave policies increasingly recognize diverse family structures, including:
- Domestic partners and chosen family members
- Close friends who serve family-like roles
- Caregiving relationships outside traditional family structures
- LGBTQ+ family configurations
Pet Bereavement Leave
Recognizing the emotional impact of losing beloved pets, some organizations now offer pet bereavement leave. Grief experts advocate for legal bereavement leave for pet owners, highlighting the deep emotional bonds between individuals and their companion animals.
Pregnancy Loss Support
New Zealand enacted legislation granting three days of paid bereavement leave for families experiencing pregnancy loss, including miscarriage or stillbirth. This trend reflects growing awareness of grief associated with pregnancy loss.
Extended Bereavement Leave Options
Some forward-thinking employers offer extended bereavement leave options:
- Additional unpaid leave beyond standard bereavement leave
- Flexible return-to-work arrangements after bereavement leave
- Gradual re-integration programs following bereavement leave
- Mental health support extending beyond the initial bereavement leave period
Common Bereavement Leave Scenarios
Multiple Losses
Employees may face multiple family deaths within short periods, requiring additional bereavement leave beyond standard policies. Compassionate employers often provide flexibility for such circumstances.
Bereavement Leave During Critical Business Periods
While operational needs matter, employers should avoid denying legitimate bereavement leave due to timing concerns. Instead, focus on coverage arrangements that respect bereavement leave rights while maintaining business continuity.
Long-Distance Travel for Bereavement Leave
Employees may need extended bereavement leave when traveling long distances for funerals or family obligations. Policies should accommodate reasonable travel time as part of bereavement leave allocation.
Supporting Employees Beyond Bereavement Leave
Adequate bereavement support extends beyond the initial bereavement leave period:
- Flexible work arrangements upon return from bereavement leave
- Counseling services through employee assistance programs
- Phased return-to-work options after bereavement leave
- Additional unpaid leave if needed beyond standard bereavement leave
- Workload adjustments during the readjustment period
Frequently Asked Questions About Bereavement Leave
Can bereavement leave be denied?
Employers generally cannot deny bereavement leave for qualifying family relationships, though specifics depend on company policy and local laws.
What if I need more time than standard bereavement leave allows?
You may request additional unpaid leave or use accrued PTO, subject to employer approval and policy guidelines.
Can I take bereavement leave for a friend’s death?
This process depends on your employer’s bereavement leave policy. Some organizations grant leave for close friends, while others limit bereavement leave to family members.
Is proof always required for bereavement leave?
Most employers require some documentation, although the specific requirements vary from one to another. Some may accept obituaries, while others need death certificates.
Can I take bereavement leave while working remotely?
Remote work doesn’t typically affect bereavement leave eligibility, though you should clarify expectations with your employer about availability during bereavement leave.
Future of Bereavement Leave Policies
The landscape of bereavement leave continues evolving toward greater inclusivity and support. Expect continued expansion of bereavement leave legislation at the state and local levels, making comprehensive bereavement leave policies increasingly crucial for legal compliance.
Organizations that proactively enhance bereavement leave offerings often see improved employee loyalty, reduced turnover costs, and a stronger organizational reputation. As workplace cultures shift toward greater empathy and work-life integration, bereavement leave policies serve as tangible demonstrations of employer values.
Conclusion
Bereavement leave serves as a crucial bridge between personal tragedy and professional responsibilities, allowing employees to grieve and heal without the pressure of workplace demands. For employees, understanding bereavement leave rights ensures you can access necessary support during life’s most difficult moments. For employers, comprehensive bereavement leave policies demonstrate organizational compassion while supporting workforce stability and legal compliance.
Whether you’re developing bereavement leave policies or navigating your first bereavement leave experience, prioritizing clear communication, empathy, and flexibility ensures that bereavement leave serves its intended purpose of supporting people when they need it most. As bereavement leave continues evolving through legislation and cultural shifts, both employees and employers benefit from staying informed about best practices and emerging trends in workplace grief support.