Bereavement

A Bereavement policy explains how employees can take time away from work after a death or other qualifying loss, including eligibility, paid or unpaid leave options, who counts as a covered family member, notice and documentation expectations, and any state-specific protections against retaliation.

How to Write a Bereavement Policy

• Describe why your organization wants to support those who are grieving.
• State what bereavement-related events the policy covers.
• Define who counts as a covered family member, and note whether you may approve leave for other close relationships.
• Explain whether leave is paid or unpaid, and how employees can use available paid leave for bereavement.
• Describe how bereavement leave interacts with other leave laws and policies, including whether it runs concurrently and whether stacking is allowed.
• Explain what documentation you may request to support the need for leave.
• Include a non-retaliation and non-discrimination commitment for requesting or taking bereavement leave.

For advice on writing a Bereavement policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.