SOP - Bereavement Leave

Learn about the standard operating procedures for bereavement leave and how to navigate requesting time off for grieving.

Written By Kamal Grewal (HR Manager)

Updated at February 25th, 2025

Table of Contents

   
Policy Bereavement Leave
Department ALL
Last Updated Feb 2025

 

Policy

We recognize the importance of allowing employees time to grieve and manage personal matters following the loss of a loved one. This policy provides up to five (5) days of unpaid bereavement leave for eligible employees in accordance with California law (AB 1949).  

 

Procedures

Eligibility 

  • All employees who have been employed for at least 30 days are eligible for bereavement leave.  
  • This leave applies to the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, domestic partner, or parent-in-law.  
 
 

Leave Duration & Use

  • Employees may take up to five (5) unpaid days of bereavement leave per occurrence.  
  • Leave must be taken within three (3) months of the date of death.  
  • The five days do not need to be consecutive.  
  • Employees may use accrued vacation or sick leave if available.  
 
 

Notification & Documentation  

  • Employees must notify their manager or HR as soon as possible before taking bereavement leave.  
  • We may require documentation, such as a death certificate, published obituary, or verification from a funeral home, within 30 days of the first leave day.  
     
 
 

Job Protection

  • Bereavement leave is job-protected - meaning employees will be reinstated to their position upon return.  
  • Taking bereavement leave will not affect seniority, benefits, or accrued vacation.  
     
 
 

 

 

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