Gilbert Bermudez
Compassionate leave allows employees to take time off when a loved one passes away or suffers a serious illness. In Australia, workers are generally entitled to two days of compassionate leave per occasion. However, many find this to be insufficient for managing grief, making necessary arrangements, and supporting their families.
Why Two Days Might Not Be Enough
Grief is a personal experience that takes time, and responsibilities such as funeral arrangements, legal paperwork, and family support can be overwhelming. Two days often do not provide enough time, particularly for those who need to travel or care for dependents.
In some cases, employees return to work still emotionally affected, which can impact their focus and productivity. This situation can be even harder for those in high-pressure jobs where taking additional time off is difficult.
What Can Employees Do?
- Use Other Leave Options – Employees can request annual leave or unpaid leave if they need more time. However, this depends on employer approval.
- Communicate with Employers – Discussing personal circumstances with HR or managers may help in finding flexible solutions, such as remote work or adjusted schedules.
- Seek Workplace Support – Some workplaces offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) with counseling services to help cope with grief.
While compassionate leave provides some relief, the two-day limit can be challenging for many Australian workers. Employers and employees can work together to explore flexible options that provide better support during difficult times.
This post was created with our nice and easy submission form. Create your post!
