Bereavement leave comes to life.

• Position: In The News ...

Bereavement leave is relatively new. Until recently, only one state, Oregon, required businesses with more than 25 workers to provide bereavement leave to eligible employees after the death of a loved one--usually a close family member. An eligible employee is a person who has worked at least 180 days and has averaged 25 work hours per week during the 180 days. Two weeks of leave must be provided for each deceased family member, and the leave must be taken within 60 days of the death.

In September, California created bereavement leave. As of January 1, 2023, it will be unlawful for an employer in the Golden State to refuse to grant an eligible employee the opportunity to take up to five days of bereavement leave upon the death of a...