Leave policies are essential for any workplace, offering structure and support during personal needs. Bereavement leave, for instance, helps employees cope with loss, yet in a country like India, access to such leave is often low.
This gap highlights the urgent need for change in workplace policies. Fortunately, more companies are beginning to recognise the importance of offering time off for personal reasons.
Bereavement leave, in particular, is becoming a key part of many workplace policies, showing that employers care about their employees' emotional health.
This blog will explore bereavement leaves, how they work in India, and how businesses can best approach them.
Bereavement leave is time off from work given to employees after they lose a close family member or loved one. It allows employees the time they need to grieve, attend funeral services, and handle personal matters without the added stress of work.
Unlike regular sick leave or paid time off, bereavement leave is specifically for personal loss. Employers use it to show they care about their employees' well-being and offer support during one of life's most challenging times.
The length of the leave can vary. Some companies offer just a few days, while others may give more time, depending on how close the employee was to the deceased. This leave is often paid, so employees don't have to worry about losing income while focusing on their personal lives.
In a culturally diverse country like India, grieving the loss of a loved one often involves religious rituals and extended family responsibilities. Without formal bereavement leave policies, employees may struggle to balance personal grief with professional expectations. Here's why offering bereavement leave is crucial in the Indian context:
Supports Emotional Well-being
Helps employees cope with grief and stress, improving mental health and overall productivity during emotionally challenging times.Respects Cultural and Religious Practices
Allows time off for last rites and mourning customs, which vary widely across India’s religious and cultural groups.Builds Employer Trust and Loyalty
Demonstrates care and empathy, forging a long-term commitment and emotional connection between employer and employee.Reduces Unplanned Absenteeism
Planned bereavement leave minimises unexpected absences, helping teams maintain workflow and reducing HR disruptions.Strengthens Company Culture
Promotes a compassionate, people-first work environment, reinforcing values that attract and retain top talent in India.Improves Retention and Morale
Employees who feel supported during tough times are more likely to stay engaged and loyal to the organisation.
While the importance of bereavement leave is clear, how it’s implemented across Indian workplaces can vary widely.
Leave policies may be more straightforward for businesses governed by the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946, but bereavement leaves are not explicitly outlined. That said, in most Indian workplaces, the process of taking bereavement leaves is pretty straightforward, but it can vary depending on the company's specific policies. Here's an overview of how it typically works:
Requesting Leave: Employees usually immediately inform their manager or HR about the loss. A formal application might be required in some companies, while in others, simple verbal communication may be enough. Checking with HR about the specific process is always a good idea.
Documentation: While companies generally don't ask for extensive proof during such sensitive times, some may require a death certificate or other documentation, like funeral details, especially if the leave is extended beyond a few days. It's essential to clarify the documentation requirement with HR beforehand to avoid any confusion.
Flexibility: The nature of bereavement leaves permit some flexibility. For example, employees can split their time off if they need more days to manage their grief or delegated responsibilities. Companies may even allow employees to take additional leave from their paid time off or sick leave balance if needed.
In many organisations, employees are encouraged to take time off as needed, and the company often provides as much support as possible during this challenging period.
The duration of bereavement leaves in India can vary depending on the company's policies and the closeness of the employee's relationship with the deceased. While no standard law dictates how long the leave should be, most companies offer 2 to 5 days to allow employees to grieve and attend funeral services.
Here are some standard practices regarding the duration of bereavement leaves:
Immediate Family (Spouse, Parents, Children): Most companies offer 3 to 5 days of paid leave when an employee loses an immediate family member. This gives employees enough time to grieve and take care of necessary arrangements.
Extended Family (Grandparents, Siblings, etc.): The leave for the loss of a more distant relative, such as grandparents or siblings, is typically shorter, often around 2-3 days.
Company Flexibility: Some organisations, such as giant corporations, offer flexibility regarding the duration of bereavement leave. Employees can sometimes take additional unpaid leave if they need more time to cope with the loss.
In India, the approach to bereavement leave, being paid or unpaid, depends on the company's policy. Larger organisations and government offices offer paid leave, while smaller businesses or startups may not always follow the same practice.
Paid Leave: Many companies, significantly larger corporations, offer paid bereavement leave. This allows employees to take time off without worrying about losing income, providing peace of mind during a challenging time.
Unpaid Leave: In some cases, if paid leave isn't provided, employees might have to take unpaid leave. For example, employees could use their available paid time off (PTO) or sick leave after a loss if the company doesn't offer paid bereavement leave.
Flexible Policies: Some businesses may adopt a flexible approach, offering a combination of paid and unpaid leave. For example, they may offer three days of paid leave for immediate family and additional unpaid days if necessary.
It's always a good idea for employees to check their company's policy and discuss with HR to understand the available options and ensure they can take the necessary time.
Bereavement leave policies in India vary significantly across different types of organisations, influenced by factors such as company size, industry, and culture. Here's how different businesses approach bereavement leaves.
Type of Organisation | Typical Policy | Leave Duration | Flexibility | Documentation Requirement |
Large Corporations | Formal, structured bereavement leave policy for immediate family loss | 3 to 5 days (paid); extendable | Moderate to High – may allow extensions | Yes – usually required |
Small Businesses & Startups | Informal or no fixed policy; may rely on personal or sick leave | 1 to 3 days (may be unpaid) | High – more case-by-case flexibility | Rarely required |
Government Organisations | Standardised leave process with defined eligibility | Few days (paid) | Low to Moderate – follows formal procedure | Yes – formal documentation required |
It becomes apparent that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in matters of bereavement policy in India. Thus, it is essential to consider thoughtful and flexible approaches to support employees during this kind of loss.
As an employer, you play a crucial role in helping your team through life’s toughest moments. Offering bereavement leave isn’t just a policy; it’s a way to show your employees that you care. When you acknowledge their personal loss with time and support, you build a culture rooted in empathy and trust.
By staying informed about how different organisations handle bereavement leave, you can set clearer expectations and create a policy that genuinely supports your people. Flexibility and understanding during times of grief go a long way in strengthening employee loyalty and emotional well-being.
Book a demo with Craze today to understand how to create and manage leave policies.
1. What is bereavement leave?
Bereavement leave is a type of leave granted to employees following the death of a close family member, allowing time to grieve and manage funeral or related responsibilities.
2. Is bereavement leave legally mandated in India?
Currently, there is no specific law in India mandating bereavement leave. It is typically offered at the discretion of the employer or as part of the company's HR policies.
3. How many days of bereavement leave are typically granted in India?
Most private companies in India offer 2 to 5 days of bereavement leave, though this may vary depending on the organisation and the relationship of the deceased.
4. Who qualifies as a ‘close family member’ for bereavement leave?
Close family members generally include parents, spouse, children, and siblings. Some companies may also include in-laws or grandparents.
5. Do government employees in India get bereavement leave?
While there is no specific “bereavement leave,” central and state government employees may use earned or casual leave during such situations, often approved compassionately.
6. Can an employee take additional leave if more time is needed?
Yes, employees can usually request additional leave (paid or unpaid) based on their company’s leave policy and the situation’s severity.
7. Is bereavement leave paid or unpaid in India?
In most formal organisations, bereavement leave is paid. However, this is not universal, especially in the unorganised or informal sector.
