Bereavement Leave Policy Template

[Company Name] recognizes that the death of a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences. This policy provides paid time off for employees to grieve, attend services, and handle related matters without financial hardship.

All regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for bereavement leave immediately upon hire.

Paid bereavement leave is provided as follows: **Immediate Family (5 days):** Spouse, domestic partner, child (including step/adopted), parent (including step/in-law), sibling **Extended Family (3 days):** Grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin **Close Friend or Colleague (1 day):** With manager approval **Pet (1 day):** For the loss of a household pet

If additional time is needed beyond the bereavement leave provided: • Employees may use accrued PTO or vacation • Unpaid leave may be granted with manager approval • FMLA may apply if caring for a family member before death We recognize that grief is not linear - additional support is available through [EAP program].

• Notify your manager as soon as possible • Formal request through [HR system] not required • No documentation required (no obituary or death certificate needed) • Leave need not be taken consecutively

If significant travel is required for services, additional leave may be approved. Discuss with your manager or HR.

Bereavement leave requests will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality. Employees are not required to share details of the death or their relationship beyond what is needed to determine leave entitlement.