Life can be unpredictable, and there are moments when you need to take time off from work due to sudden personal tragedies or emergencies. This is what compassionate leave is for. Compassionate leave allows employees taking time off work for situations like the loss of a loved one, a family emergency, or a critical illness in the family.
In this blog, we will learn what compassionate leave is, how to apply for it, and how to structure a formal request. We’ll explain the details of compassionate leave when you can request it, and provide sample email templates to help you apply professionally.
What is Compassionate Leave?
Compassionate leave at work (also referred to as bereavement leave in some cases) is a type of leave granted to employees to grieve, attend to urgent family matters, or provide care for a seriously ill loved one. Offering such leave fosters a positive work environment, ensuring employees feel supported during difficult times.
Key Features of Compassionate Leave:
✔ Purpose: Compassionate leave help employees take the necessary time to cope with a loss, manage funeral arrangements, support a family member in critical condition, or handle an unexpected crisis.
✔ Duration: The duration of leave completely depends on company policies and labor laws. On average, companies offer 3-5 days for bereavement or urgent family matters, while others may allow extended unpaid leave if needed.
✔ Who Can You Take Leave For? Compassionate leave at work is typically granted for immediate family members, including:
- Parents (including in-laws)
- Siblings
- Spouse or partner
- Children
- Grandparents
Some companies may also extend it to close relatives or dependents.
When Can You Apply for Compassionate Leave?
Compassionate leave is an essential aspect of employee support, allowing individuals to take time off during challenging personal situations. You can request compassionate leave in the following cases:
Loss of a family member – If a close family member has passed away, compassionate leave allows employees to attend the funeral, manage legal matters, and grieve.
Serious illness or medical emergency in the family – If a family member is critically ill, hospitalized, or requires urgent care, and you need to be by their side to assist them, you can apply for compassionate leave.
Unexpected family emergencies – This includes accidents, legal issues, or urgent personal situations that require immediate attention.
Before applying for leave, check your company’s leave policy to understand:
- How many days of compassionate leave you are entitled to?
- Whether the leave is paid or unpaid.
- The process for submitting a request.
How to Apply for Compassionate Leave at Work
When requesting compassionate leave, your application should be professional, clear, and respectful. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Inform Your HR Manager or Manager Early
As soon as you are aware of the situation, it’s best to inform your HR or manager immediately. In urgent cases, you can make a quick call or send a message to notify them, followed by a formal email and a letter.
If the leave is planned (for example, to attend a funeral), inform your team beforehand so they can adjust workloads accordingly.
Step 2: Write a Formal Leave Application
Your request should clearly mention the reason for leave, the number of days needed, and any supporting documents (if required).
If applicable, offer to delegate work or mention how responsibilities will be managed in your absence.
Step 3: Express Gratitude and Professionalism
End the email by thanking your manager for their understanding and support. Keep the tone of the email polite and professional.
Compassionate Leave Email Samples
Here are sample leave request emails and letters for different situations.
Sample Email for Bereavement Leave (Death of a Loved One)
Subject: Request for Compassionate Leave Due to Bereavement
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I regret to inform you that my [relation], [name], passed away on [date]. I need to take time off to attend the funeral and be with my family during this difficult time.
I would like to request compassionate leave from [start date] to [end date]. I will ensure that all pending work is either completed before my leave or delegated accordingly. Please let me know if any additional formalities are required.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Email for a Family Emergency
Dear [HR/Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request compassionate leave due to a sudden family emergency. My [relation], [name], has been hospitalized due to [illness/accident], and I need to be with them during this critical time.
Subject: Urgent Leave Request for Family Emergency
I would like to request leave from [start date] to [end date]. I will do my best to ensure a smooth transition of any urgent tasks before my departure. Please let me know if any further information is required.
I appreciate your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Email for Compassionate Leave Due to a Critical Illness in the Family
Subject: Request for Compassionate Leave
Dear [HR/Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally request compassionate leave as my [relation], [name], has been diagnosed with a critical illness and requires my immediate attention and support. Given the situation, I need to take time off from [start date] to [end date] to assist with medical care and be with my family.
I will ensure that any urgent work is addressed before my leave, and I am happy to coordinate a smooth transition of tasks if needed. Please let me know if any additional information or formalities are required.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways
✔ Compassionate leave provides employees with time off for personal emergencies, bereavement, or serious family issues.
✔ Check your company’s leave policy to know the allowed duration, whether it’s paid or unpaid, and the required process.
✔ When applying, ensure your request is clear, professional, and considerate.
✔ Provide advance notice where possible and mention work transition plans if needed.
✔ Employers understand that personal emergencies arise, so don’t hesitate to request support when needed.
Final Thoughts
Compassionate leave policies vary from one company to another, but the key purpose remains the same: to support employees during difficult personal circumstances. If you’re looking for job opportunities that prioritize work-life balance and value employee well-being, find your next job with Apna Jobs.
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