4 FAQ About Taking Time From Work After Losing a Loved One
When a loved one passes away, you may experience a flood of emotions. Planning a funeral or memorial, comforting grieving relatives, and mourning can be overwhelming. Taking bereavement time from work will allow you to make arrangements and process your grief. If you've never requested a leave of absence from work due to losing a loved one, review this guide before starting the process.
What to Know About Taking Bereavement Leave From Work
What is bereavement leave?
Bereavement is the time of mourning following the loss of a loved one. During this time, people often feel sadness, depression, anger, and other emotional responses, and it can be overwhelming to handle and attend work. Bereavement leave allows you to take a short break from work to process your grief and tend to other responsibilities, like planning and attending a funeral or memorial.
How much time should I request?
How long a bereavement leave lasts depends on the employer's policies. Some companies may allow a specific number of days, while others are more flexible based on their employee's needs.
Workers generally take three to five days off after losing a family member. Consider reviewing your job's employee handbook or speaking with your manager to learn the company's stance on bereavement leave.
Do employers control bereavement leave?
Many businesses include a policy for bereavement in case an employee loses a loved one. However, managers and company leaders may decide to extend a worker's leave of absence if necessary.
A manager may determine the number of bereavement days by considering your relationship with the deceased loved one and your emotional state. They also might also consider whether the passing was sudden or expected.
When is the right time to go back to work?
If the typical three- to five-day leave of absence isn't enough to process your loss, your manager may allow you to take additional time. You might feel well enough to resume working if you can resume a normal routine and concentrate for extended periods. It may also be time to go back to work if your energy levels rise and you have enough clarity to make business-related decisions.
If you need to set up a memorial or monument for a deceased loved one during your bereavement leave, turn to the caring team at McGee Monument. With locations in Russellville, Dardanelle, Atkins, Clinton, Danville, and Conway, AR, this company will help you create the perfect monument or headstone to honor a lost loved one. To learn more about their services, call (800) 750-0177 or visit their website.
Main Location:
105 Ward Dr,
Morrilton, AR 72110