In the wake of losing a loved one, employees often find themselves in a challenging position, balancing the need for time to grieve with their work responsibilities. Compassionate leave, which allows employees time off during such distressing times, is an essential aspect of workplace support in Malaysia.
What is Compassionate Leave?
Compassionate leave, also known as bereavement leave in Malaysia, is time off provided to employees after the loss of a family member. It's often part of the employment contract or company policy and can be either paid or unpaid.
Can Employers Refuse Compassionate Leave?
While there is no legal requirement in Malaysia for employers to provide paid compassionate leave, it is a common practice in many companies, though it's at the employer's discretion to grant it.
Employers can decide the duration of compassionate leave, typically ranging from two to five days. The duration varies based on the employee's relationship to the deceased. Immediate family members' loss typically warrants a longer leave compared to distant relatives like grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who may not qualify for any leave.
Supporting Grieving Employees
Employers play a vital role in supporting team members during their loss. This includes:
- Adjusting Back to Work: Recognize individual grief processes and provide flexible work arrangements.
- Creating a Safe Space: Ensure a supportive environment where employees don't feel compelled to mask their grief.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offer access to counseling and support services.
- Resource Guidance: Connect employees to grief support groups for shared experiences and coping strategies.
- Addressing Coworker Impact: Foster a culture of understanding and distribute workloads to support the grieving employee.
Streamlining Compassionate Leave Management
Employment Hero, an all-in-one HR and payroll software, simplifies the management of compassionate leave and other HR processes. It allows digital transmission of employment contracts and policies like compassionate leave during the onboarding process so that the employees can easily understand their rights and entitlements. With features for electronic leave requests and transparent leave balances, Employment Hero ensures a smooth, supportive experience for both employers and employees during difficult times.
Learn how Employment Hero can enhance your HR and payroll management, including compassionate leave policies, here.