The death of a loved one is an immense and emotional time in anyone’s life. Whether it was a prolonged illness or a sudden tragedy, the grieving process can lead to long-term challenges for employees coming back to the workplace, especially if they lack the necessary support.
In addition to the profound grief that lingers long after loss, the immediate responsibilities of managing a loved one’s affairs—such as notifying family and arranging funeral services—require significant time and attention. These practical demands are only compounded by the emotional toll of grief.
So how much paid bereavement leave time should a grieving employee receive—and how much time do they actually get?
While the number changes around the world, it may surprise you to know the average U.S. bereavement policy only offers five days after the death of an immediate family member. Fortunately, that may be changing soon, as 84% of employers plan on upgrading their policy details in the next two years.
In our latest webinar, Inclusive Policies and the Impact on Employee Wellbeing, we dive deep into how employers can craft a truly inclusive bereavement policy. But before we get into that, it’s important to understand the current landscape of bereavement leave.
A bereavement leave policy, also known as a compassionate leave policy, outlines the set amount of paid time off an employee is entitled to after losing a covered family member or loved one. These policies aim to give employees the space to not only grieve but also manage the immediate and practical demands that follow someone’s passing.
While loss is typically seen as taboo to talk about, especially in the workplace, it’s a critical chapter in an employee’s life. How an employer addresses and supports grieving employees is equally critical to an employee’s wellbeing.
Currently, the average U.S. employer offers up to five days of paid bereavement time before employees need to use sick leave or accrued vacation time. But that doesn’t mean five days is the minimum—nor is it a guarantee, as policies vary widely across U.S. organizations. For instance, only 60% of private industry workers receive paid bereavement leave, which is often limited to three days or fewer.
As Kyle Daquanna, director of strategic channels at Empathy, pointed out during the webinar, “A Jewish friend of mine had three days of bereavement leave, but her culture takes seven days immediately after the loss of a loved one.” In her case, Daquanna’s colleague was forced to take personal leave in order to have the necessary time to grieve according to her traditions.