“Most employees have the right to take up to two days of unpaid job-protected leave each calendar year because of the death of certain family members. This is known as bereavement leave. Special rules apply to some occupations.” www.ontario.ca
W.T.F. That’s all I have to say.
Just kidding, I have lots to say. When a loved one dies, it's not just a moment of grief; it's a seismic shift in our lives. The ground shakes, our heart breaks, and yet we are expected to return to the grind after a mere two days? That is absurd!
I am grateful that my company offered me compassion. When my mom received her cancer diagnosis, my manager encouraged me to take time off to process the news and be with my family. I was also fortunate to be able to rearrange my schedule to accompany Mom to her appointments and to be by her side during her hospitalization and passing.
Yet, despite the support, returning to work was daunting. Just four business days after my mom's passing, I found myself back at my desk. Why? Partly distraction, partly guilt for taking time off during her illness, and partly because our employee handbook stated that we were only entitled to 3 bereavement days.
Let's be real - 2 or 3 days doesn't even scratch the surface of grief's depth. Despite my efforts to appear engaged and productive at work, the reality was far from it. My mind was consumed by a thick fog of sadness, rendering even the simplest tasks insurmountable. There was no way I could focus on my to-do list - I was trying to piece together the shattered fragments of my world.
It took over six months to regain any sense of normalcy. Working from home provided a sense of relief by granting me the privacy to cry, however, there were numerous days where I would have to wipe away my tears in time to join a virtual meeting. Negative self-talk became a constant companion because I battled with recurring feelings of inadequacy.
It's important for policymakers to catch up to this reality. Current bereavement policies fall incredibly short. We need real compassion: extended paid leave, broader family definitions, and accessible grief counselling. Grief is universal and knows no boundaries; our system must acknowledge its profound impact and adapt accordingly.
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