Bereavement leave, sometimes called compassionate leave, is time off granted to an employee following the death of a close family member or dependant. It gives people space to grieve, make funeral arrangements, and handle practical matters without using up their annual leave. It may be paid or unpaid depending on policy and jurisdiction.

Statutory entitlements are patchy and evolving. In the UK, Parental Bereavement Leave — known as Jack's Law — gives parents two weeks off following the death of a child under 18, and the government has moved to make bereavement leave a wider day-one right. Many other countries leave the matter to employer discretion.

Because these absences are sudden and sensitive, a clear policy and a simple request process matter. Recording bereavement leave as its own type in Calamari's Time Off module lets managers approve time off quickly and keeps balances and reporting accurate.