Sample Email Requesting Bereavement Leave: Guide and Template

Losing a loved one can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time. It’s important that during these times, we take the time to properly grieve and process our emotions. One way to do this is by taking bereavement leave from work. Bereavement leave is time off that employees can take following the death of a family member or close friend.

If you’re unsure of how to go about requesting bereavement leave, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources available to help you. In fact, you can find sample email templates online that you can use and edit as needed to ensure that your message is clear and respectful.

Whether you’re requesting time off to attend a funeral or simply to take some time to yourself to grieve, it’s important that you communicate your needs with your employer. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re able to take the time you need to properly process your emotions without having to worry about work obligations.

So if you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to your employer and request bereavement leave. And if you need help crafting a message, don’t forget that there are plenty of resources available to assist you.

The Best Structure for a Bereavement Leave Request Email

If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, it is important to take some time to grieve and be with your family. Many companies offer bereavement leave, which enables employees to take time off work to attend the funeral or grieving process without impacting their employment or pay. To request bereavement leave through email, it’s important to follow a straightforward structure that highlights your reason for absence and provides details about the time you will be away.

Opening

Begin your email by addressing your boss or HR manager. Make sure to check your company policy for details on who you should address specifically, as it may vary from company to company. Be sure to express your gratitude for the employer’s support during this difficult time. Here is an example opening:

“Dear [Manager’s Name],

Thank you for your ongoing support during my time here at [Company Name].

Explain Your Need for Leave

Briefly explain the reason for your request for leave. This might include the name of the person who has passed away, as well as their relationship to you. Try to keep this section concise and to the point. Here’s an example:

“I am writing to request three days of bereavement leave following the recent passing of my grandfather, who passed away on [Date]. As you can imagine, this has been a difficult time for my family and me, and I need to take some time to grieve and be with my loved ones.”

Provide Notification and Arrange Coverage

Give notification about the dates when you plan to be away from work and identify the measures you have taken to make sure your absence does not negatively affect your work. This might involve assigning your tasks to another co-worker or arranging for backup plans. Here is an example of how this section might look:

“I am planning to take leave from [Start Date] and am expecting to return to work on [End Date]. I want to make sure that any crucial projects or tasks are completed before my planned absence. I have made arrangements with [co-worker’s name] to cover my responsibilities while I am away.”

Request Confirmation and Express Appreciation

Close your email by requesting confirmation and highlighting your appreciation for the company’s understanding and support. Here’s an example of the closing section:

“If possible, please confirm that this request for bereavement leave has been approved. Thank you for your consideration and accommodating this request. The support you have shown myself and my family over the past few days has been immensely appreciated.

Sincerley, [Your Name].”

This format emphasizes the importance of the purpose for your leave, the required time off, and the arrangements you have made to ensure your work does not suffer. By taking the time to write a respectful and professional request, you are more likely to receive a positive response from your manager. Rest assured, this email template might not make you feel any better about your loss, but it can make the communication process with your employer more comfortable during a difficult time.

Bereavement Leave Email Samples

Tips for Requesting Bereavement Leave Via Email

Losing a loved one is never easy. During such a time, it may be challenging to concentrate on work. It is essential to take time off to mourn and heal from the loss. Here are some tips for emailing your employer about taking bereavement leave.

Keep the email short and concise

Your employer is already aware that you are going through a challenging time. Consequently, your email should be brief and to the point. This way, your employer can quickly understand your request and take the necessary action.

Provide specific dates

When requesting bereavement leave, your employer needs to know how long you will be away. Therefore, ensure that you include the exact dates you will be on leave. This will help your employer make arrangements for your absence in advance, thereby reducing any inconvenience or disruptions.

Mention the relationship with the deceased

In your email, it is vital to mention your relationship with the deceased explicitly. This will help your employer understand the extent of your bereavement and, subsequently, grant you the appropriate leave of absence.

Use an appropriate tone

When writing your email, ensure that you use an appropriate tone. It is best to be professional and respectful while still expressing your request. Remember that your employer is also human and may empathize with your loss. Therefore, use an empathetic tone that communicates your grief without being overly emotional.

Express your appreciation

It is always a good idea to express your appreciation for the support you have received during this difficult time. You can thank your employer in advance for their understanding and any support they may have already offered. This gesture will help foster goodwill between you and your employer and show that you are grateful for their support.

Proofread your email

Before sending your email, it is essential to proofread it for any errors or mistakes. Ensure that your email is written in clear and concise language that is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Remember, your employer will likely be busy and may not have much time to read and respond to emails. Therefore, make it easy for them to understand your request.

In conclusion, when requesting bereavement leave via email, keep your email short and concise, provide specific dates, mention your relationship with the deceased, use an appropriate tone, express your appreciation and proofread your email. These tips will help you to communicate your request effectively while showing empathy and respect towards your employer.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bereavement Leave Email Request

What is bereavement leave?

Bereavement leave is time off given to an employee to mourn and grieve the loss of a loved one

What is the purpose of sending an email requesting bereavement leave?

The purpose of an email requesting bereavement leave is to inform your employer about your absence and seek permission for the time off

What should I include in my bereavement leave email request?

You should include the date on which you need to start the leave, the expected duration of the leave, and the reason for your leave

How much time off can I get for bereavement leave?

The amount of time off for bereavement leave varies depending on the company policy. However, generally, employees get 3-5 days off for immediate family members, and 1-2 days off for relatives beyond immediate family

Who is considered an immediate family member?

An immediate family member is a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild

Can I take bereavement leave for non-family members like friends or colleagues?

It depends on your company policy. Some companies allow bereavement leave for non-family members, while others don’t. You should consult your employee handbook for clarity

When should I send my bereavement leave email request?

You should send your bereavement leave email request as soon as possible after the death of your loved one and after you have decided on the duration of your leave

Do I need to provide documentation for my bereavement leave?

It depends on the company policy. Some companies require documentation such as a death certificate or obituary, while others rely on employee honesty. You should consult your employee handbook for clarity

Can my employer deny my bereavement leave request?

Your employer cannot deny your bereavement leave request if you meet the criteria set out in the company policy. However, they can deny your request if you don’t meet the criteria or if taking the leave will create staffing issues

Take time to grieve

Thank you for reading my sample email requesting bereavement leave. It’s a difficult time for anyone who has lost a loved one, and it’s important to take as much time as needed to grieve. Remember, your company understands that this is a tough time for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support. Take care of yourself and return when you are ready. Visit us again soon for more helpful information and tips.