Is Bereavement Leave Paid?

Losing a loved one is life-altering, yet many employees struggle to balance their grief with rigid workplace expectations. Some are pressured to return too soon, while others must take unpaid leave just to mourn.

Bereavement leave exists to provide time to grieve, yet policies vary widely. Some companies offer only a few days, barely enough to plan a funeral. Others leave it to managers, creating uncertainty when employees need stability the most.

This article breaks down what you need to know: your rights, company policies, and how to find employers that truly support you during life’s hardest moments.

Let’s first cover the basics to help you during this challenging time.

What is Bereavement Leave?

This leave is time off from work that employees are granted to mourn the death of a loved one, typically an immediate family member such as your:

• Mother or Father
• Husband or Wife 
• Siblings 
• Children
  

Editor’s Note: In Penbrothers, single and single-parent employees also have grandparents as immediate family members for this leave. For married employees, their parents-in-law are covered, too.

This is also known as compassionate leave in some countries, like Australia.

An employer grants this employee benefit to allow an employee to mourn the death of a loved one. It is generally offered as paid leave, but in some cases, it may be unpaid or deducted from other available leave balances, such as vacation or sick leave.

The Realities of Bereaved Employees in the Philippines

Some common scenarios that employees unfortunately face in the Philippines include the following:

• Uncertainty about eligibility: Not all employers provide compassionate leave, and those that do may have varying policies.
  
• Pressure to return to work quickly: Without a formal policy on bereavement, employees may feel pressure to resume their work duties, even if they are not emotionally ready to do so.
  
• Family support: Many workers in the Philippines face the added burden of caring for extended family members during a bereavement period, which can make time off from work even more crucial.

Knowing Your Rights and Benefits

In the Philippines, this leave is not a mandated benefit under the Labor Code. However, there are existing labor laws and practices that support employees during times of loss.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Importance of a Clear Policy

While the law doesn’t specifically mandate this leave, progressive companies in the Philippines have recognized the importance of supporting their employees during difficult times.
A clear policy that outlines how much time off is provided is essential.

2. Leave for Extended Family

Most compassionate leave policies in the Philippines apply only to immediate family members. However, in many workplaces, employees can request additional time off for the death of extended family members, but these requests are often granted at the discretion of the employer.

True Story: In some companies, employee needs to take photos with the deceased to include in the documentation for this uneventful time, apart from submitting a death certificate.

3. Payment During Bereavement Leave

While paid leave is common, not all companies in the Philippines provide full pay during this type of leave. Some may only offer a partial wage or require employees to use their sick leave or vacation leave to cover the days off. Employees should understand the terms and how it may impact their pay.

4. Workplace Flexibility During Grieving

In addition to official leave, many companies in the Philippines offer flexible work arrangements during a bereavement period. This might include adjusting work hours or allowing employees to work from home. Flexibility can help employees manage their personal responsibilities and emotional well-being.

Seek Supportive Employers

Navigating through the loss of a loved one is never easy, and having a supportive work environment can make a significant difference during such a difficult time.

At Penbrothers, we deeply care about the well-being of our employees, especially during times of loss.

The Funeral Assistance Program is provided for all employees, regardless of their employment status (probationary or regular/project), who have lost an immediate family member. This comes in the form of cash that can aid the finances of the bereaved employee.

Beyond bereavement leave and financial assistance, we offer emotional and mental health support, including counseling sessions, to help navigate this difficult time. We also encourage employees to seek comfort and strength through available resources, whether it’s trusted friends, family, or community support services. You’re not alone, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Just in case you are seeking a new job or considering a career change, it is important to know your potential employer’s policies on bereavement leave.