Bereavement Leave Policy

Author: Christine P. Corrigan, CPC Writing Services

When to Use

Although bereavement leave is generally not required by federal, state or local law (Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, Washington and Tacoma, Washington being the exceptions), such policies are important for employee morale and are a sign of the employer's support for its employees during a stressful time. Therefore, employers should adopt written policies regarding absences due to a death in the employee's immediate family.