When I entered the workforce it struck me that I was working alongside colleagues that had lost their parent, spouse or child, yet were returning to work after only a week away. I would see them sometimes staring off into the distance, or excusing themselves from fun moments, only to take time to get a breather in the bathroom. I was shocked to learn that in most instances companies in Australia were required to provide two days 'Bereavement / Compassionate Leave' per occasion.
However, I also witnessed how caring companies would support that individual with access to annual leave entitlements, or allowing them to go into negative leave in order to support them financially when extended time was required.
When my father passed, the circumstances were not straight forward and I was fortunate enough to have a very caring CEO and HR Director that managed my leave and pay.
I was keen to explore which companies around the world offer different types of support and what leave options are available. While this list is not comprehensive or exhaustive, it is a beginning to help people recognise that the death of a spouse, child or parent, is in some organisations, recognised as 'significant', with matching benefits made public.
Here’s a Global ranking of the top 16 companies offering extended bereavement leave, ordered by the length and flexibility of their policies, as well as their global impact and support for employee well-being. The list is not all encompassing, or exhaustive.
1. Bank of America (Global)Â Bank of America provides the most generous policy, with up to a full month of paid leave for grieving employees.
Leave Offered: While primarily a US company, they have a global presence and provide up to 4 weeks of paid leave for the loss of an immediate family member, along with mental health resources for employees, highlighting the importance of supporting employees through personal loss. In addition, they offer mental health resources, making this a standout policy in terms of comprehensive support for employees facing loss.
Leave Offered :Airbus provides up to 15 days of leave, with a clear emphasis on allowing employees the necessary time to grieve and handle personal matters. The company recognises that adequate leave is crucial for emotional well-being.
Leave Offered: Up to 15 days of paid leave for the death of a close family member. The company recognises that allowing employees time to grieve and manage responsibilities can significantly affect their overall well-being. In addition to 15 days of leave, Microsoft offers flexible work arrangements, making it easier for employees to transition back into the workplace when ready.
Up to 10 days
Leave Offered: Up to 10 days of paid bereavement leave, emphasizing the importance of supporting employees through their grief. They believe that a compassionate leave policy can significantly impact mental health and productivity. BASF emphasises the mental health benefits of taking time off during bereavement, recognising how crucial this period is for emotional recovery.
Leave Offered: Up to 10 days of paid bereavement leave for the death of close family members. The company believes that such policies are essential for supporting employees' emotional health, particularly during difficult times. SAP is known for its employee-centric policies, and its bereavement leave policy is designed to support employees through challenging times, focusing on emotional health and productivity.
Leave Offered: Up to 10 days of paid of paid bereavement leave for immediate family members, demonstrating their recognition of the emotional and practical challenges faced by grieving employees. Telstra’s policy recognises both the emotional and practical challenges that come with grief. Their approach emphasises flexibility and support, helping employees navigate both personal and professional challenges.
Leave Offered: Up to 10 days of paid bereavement leave, underlining their commitment to mental health and well-being within the workplace. Nestlé emphasises the importance of mental health and well-being, offering extended leave to give employees the space they need to manage grief and recovery.
Leave Offered: Offers up to 10 days of paid bereavement leave for immediate family members. This generous policy allows employees to take the time they need to grieve and handle related responsibilities. Salesforce provides a supportive environment for employees experiencing loss, allowing them ample time to grieve without worrying about work responsibilities.
Leave Offered: Offers up to 10 days of paid bereavement leave, reflecting the company's commitment to employee well-being and understanding the emotional toll of losing a loved one. Meta’s bereavement policy reflects a commitment to employee well-being, understanding the emotional toll of losing a loved one, with an emphasis on emotional support.
Leave Offered: Provides 10 days of paid bereavement leave for the death of an immediate family member. Additionally, employees have the option to take unpaid leave if more time is necessary. Google provides not only paid bereavement leave but also the option for additional unpaid leave, offering flexibility for employees who need more time.
Leave Offered: Airbnb: Offers up to 10 days of paid leave for bereavement and supports additional time off if needed, emphasizing the importance of emotional recovery during challenging periods. Airbnb emphasises emotional recovery during challenging periods and offers additional time off if needed, supporting a culture of well-being.
Leave Offered: Provides up to 10 days of bereavement leave, allowing employees the time to grieve without worrying about work responsibilities. Adobe provides employees with the time to grieve without the pressure of immediate work deadlines, promoting a balanced approach to emotional recovery.
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Up to 5 days
Leave Offered: Australia, Woolworths provides 5 days of paid bereavement leave for immediate family members. Their policy reflects an understanding that grief is a personal process, and employees may need additional time to navigate their feelings. Woolworths acknowledges that grief is personal and provides five days of paid leave, offering flexibility for employees to manage both their emotions and practical responsibilities.
Leave Offered: Up to 5 days for the death of a spouse or child, showing sensitivity to the emotional impact of such losses. Toyota's policy focuses on supporting employees during the emotional and practical challenges of losing a spouse or child.
Leave Offered: In Brazil, Coca-Cola provides 5 days of bereavement leave, illustrating their commitment to employee well-being. Coca-Cola’s policy reflects a commitment to employee well-being, giving workers time to process grief and handle personal responsibilities.
Leave offered: Up to 5 days bereavement leave, which allows support if travel arrangements are to be made, demonstrating understanding that some circumstances may require additional support.
The reasoning behind these policies typically revolves around the understanding that grief is a complex and individual process that requires time. Companies recognise that supporting employees during their most challenging times can lead to better mental health outcomes, increased productivity, and improved employee retention. Additionally, offering generous bereavement policies helps to create a compassionate workplace culture, enhancing the company's reputation as an employer of choice.
As a result of the ongoing conversations around grief and loss, especially heightened during the pandemic, many organisations are re-evaluating their policies and adopting more supportive practices​.
If you would like to submit your Bereavement Leave Policy to Blaze Coaching to enter the rankings to be shared on National Grief Awareness Day August 30 each year, then please send to amanda@blazecoaches.com, no later than April 30, 2025. All Policies remain confidential, with only the days shared in the rankings.
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