When it comes to the heartbreak of losing a loved one, the need for time off work is a challenge that many people face. Bereavement leave in the face of tragedy is not just a matter of compassion, but also a legal right for employees. How does the UK compare to other European countries when it comes to supporting their workers in times of loss?
A recent study by Funeral Choice revealed that policies and entitlements for workers across Europe vary significantly when it comes to bereavement or compassionate leave. From the 40 countries included in the study, the average number of bereavement days stands at 2.8 days. However, the number of days of leave varies greatly from country to country, with some offering as little as 0 days while others provide as many as 7 days or more.
So who are the champions and also-rans in the fight for bereavement leave? Countries known for their strong sense of community and family values such as Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Ukraine stand out by offering a generous seven days of bereavement leave in the event of the death of a close family member. On the other hand, the UK is among seven other countries such as Belgium, Sweden, and the Netherlands where there is no clear legal definition on whether bereavement days are paid or for a fixed or required length.
But the comparisons don’t end there. Countries like France and Portugal have recently updated their bereavement leave laws, granting up to 14 and 20 days, respectively, for the death of a child under 25. Then there’s Slovakia, which goes one step further by allowing an additional day of bereavement leave for funeral planning. Spain also offers four extra days for far travel to the funeral, acknowledging the increasingly dispersed family and friends around the globe.
However, perhaps the most disheartening revelation from the study is that nine countries, including Ireland, Norway, and Finland, have no formal bereavement leave specified by law at all, leaving employees at the mercy of their employers’ discretion.
Alix Baldwin, director of Funeral Choice, expressed that the study highlights the need for more clarity on bereavement leave laws, particularly in the UK. She emphasized that different employees will have different needs for different situations, and in an ideal world, it would be great to have a law that requires employers to provide a certain number of paid days, so that those planning a funeral know their rights and are assured of having enough time to grieve.
Kyle Bolt, founder of CrewHR, also chimed in by highlighting the importance of open conversations with employers to improve policies. He stressed that having a robust and thoughtful bereavement policy isn’t only important for attracting talent, but more importantly for the health and wellbeing of the workforce.
In conclusion, the study shines a light on the disparities in bereavement leave policies across Europe, providing compelling insights into how different countries support their employees in times of grief. It also serves as a sober reminder that supporting workers in times of loss is not just about policy, but also about compassion, empathy, and understanding. After all, grief knows no bounds, and a little understanding can go a long way in healing a broken heart.
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