Putting It Into Practice: Inclusive Bereavement Leave
Adjusting your organization’s Bereavement Leave policy to include pregnancy loss is one easy, no-cost way employers can show their workers they take their RMH well-being seriously. Read Why It’s Time to Include Pregnancy Loss in Your Bereavement Leave Policy for additional information.
Steps for Implementation
Review and update policy language. Make sure your bereavement leave policy explicitly includes reproductive losses such as miscarriage and stillbirth as a valid and acceptable reason for taking time off. Use clear, inclusive language that applies to all employees, regardless of gender or family structure.
Communicate updates clearly. Share policy changes in employee handbooks, onboarding materials, and internal communications so all staff understand the expanded coverage and how to request leave.
Align leave systems and documentation. Update internal HR and payroll systems to reflect the new leave categories, ensuring employees can easily access paid time off without administrative barriers.
Train managers and HR teams. Provide guidance on handling requests with empathy, consistency, and confidentiality to ensure employees feel supported and respected.
Sample Policy Language
[Company Name] understands that the loss of a loved one can be a deeply difficult time. To support employees, the company provides paid bereavement leave. Leave may be taken in the event of the death of an immediate family member or in the case of pregnancy loss at any stage, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death.
Helpful Tips
Consider offering at least 3-5 days of paid leave for bereavement. Offering sufficient time off acknowledges the emotional and physical recovery needed after loss.
Provide clear steps for requesting leave. Use a straightforward process so employees don’t need to search for information during a difficult time.
Confirm employee eligibility for taking bereavement leave. Outline eligibility criteria, including tenure or employment status.
Ready to review your bereavement leave policies? Update internal handbooks, train managers on consistent scheduling practices, and share this policy with your HR and operations teams.
Need additional support? Contact info@rmhcompass.org for more information.
