Design a Better Bereavement Policy in your Co !

Design a Better Bereavement Policy in your Co ! 

( in the wake of many untimely deaths due to Carona ) 

Due to the number of unexpected and unforesden deaths due to Covid , of young , middle aged and old, organizations need to rethink & re-design the often neglected leave , which is  Bereavement Leave !! 

Now is the right time to reconsider your policy and how it serves (or doesn’t serve) grieving employees. Here are 5  broad guidelines . 

(1)  First and foremost, give your people more PAID TIME OFF  for bereavement ! 

 Given all the demands associated with arranging a funeral, sorting out finances, and mourning one’s loss, a few days are  just not enoguh . 

(2)  Be GENEROUS !  Ask them what they need, and follow their lead. 

(3) EXPAND AND BROADEN YOUR TERMS : Don’t limit the coverage to immediate family.

 Include the loss of any loved one: a partner, child, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend or neighbor! 

 Miscarriage should also be covered.

(4) MAKE IT LESS FORMAL : If possible , don’t require documentary evidences like  a death certificate, obituary, or letter from a funeral home or hospital — it’s uncomfortable and unnecessary. IF your company's policy permits . Otherwise, re-design the policy ! 

(5)  And remind employees of any mental health resources your company provides, especially GRIEF COUNSELING . 

Although these painful moments usually have little to do with work, they’re often the moments that matter the most in a workplace.

This tip is adapted from “It’s Time to Rethink Corporate Bereavement Policies,” by Mita Mallick