Amazon Bereavement Policy in 2024: What Employees Need to Know

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is painful. But grieving becomes even more difficult if you don‘t have time off work to process the loss.

That‘s why bereavement leave is so essential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 85% of civilian workers have access to bereavement leave to grieve after a death in their immediate family. However, the duration and pay for this leave varies significantly between employers.

As one of the largest employers in the United States, Amazon‘s bereavement policy impacts hundreds of thousands of workers. With over 1.1 million employees worldwide, it‘s important for staff to understand their options if they experience a loss.

Here‘s what Amazon employees need to know about taking bereavement leave in 2024.

Who Qualifies for Bereavement Leave at Amazon?

Both full-time and part-time employees are eligible for Amazon‘s bereavement policy. This covers staff at all levels, from warehouse associates to corporate managers.

However, independent contractors and temp workers employed through staffing agencies do not receive bereavement benefits. They must negotiate time off directly with their manager or client on a case-by-case basis.

How Much Paid Bereavement Leave Does Amazon Offer?

For 2023, Amazon provides up to 3 days of paid bereavement leave for full-time employees after the death of an immediate family member. Part-time workers receive a prorated amount of leave based on the average number of hours they work per week.

This duration is fairly standard. According to the Society for Human Resource Management‘s 2022 survey, the median bereavement leave offered is 3 days for full-time employees.

However, Amazon‘s policy is on the shorter end. Some leading employers like Microsoft and Facebook now offer up to 20 days for family deaths. Others, including Aldi, Costco, and Walmart have no formal bereavement policy – leaving the amount of leave up to manager discretion.

Who Counts as Immediate Family?

Amazon defines immediate family as:

• Spouse or domestic partner
• Parent or step-parent
• Child or step-child
• Sibling
• Grandparent
• Grandchild

Unfortunately, bereavement leave does not extend to the death of extended family like aunts, uncles, or cousins. While less common, some employers like Dell and Intel do include extended family in their bereavement policies.

Does Amazon Require Proof for Bereavement Leave?

Amazon gives managers the discretion to ask for verification of a family death before approving bereavement leave. Typically, supervisors will request documentation if they suspect potential abuse of the policy.

Acceptable proof includes:

• Obituary
• Funeral service program
• Death certificate

From my experience as an HR manager, requiring documentation for bereavement leave is common. About 50% of organizations have verification requirements according to SHRM. This helps control costs given bereavement leave is usually paid.

What If More Than 3 Days Are Needed for Bereavement?

Sometimes 3 days is not enough time to handle arrangements and attend services when a close relative passes away.

If you require more time, you have a few options:

• Use any available paid time off (PTO). This includes unused vacation, sick days, or personal days.

• Take unpaid leave, which will result in negative Unpaid Time (UPT). However, strive to stay below the maximum negative UPT allowed before termination.

• Speak with your manager about taking a personal leave of absence without pay. This can allow up to 12 weeks off depending on your situation.

Taking unpaid time can be financially difficult, so plan carefully and communicate with your manager if you foresee needing an extended absence.

How Do I Request Bereavement Leave?

To get bereavement leave approved, speak to your manager or HR representative as soon as possible. Let them know:

• The dates you plan to take off
• Your relationship to the deceased
• If you‘ll need additional unpaid time beyond the 3 days

You can also submit the request through Amazon‘s employee portal, A to Z. Try to provide at least 24 hours advance notice when you can.

Does Bereavement Leave Reduce My Unpaid Time Off?

No, approved bereavement leave does not impact your unpaid time off allowance. The 3 days are provided in addition to any vacation, sick time, or personal time you‘ve accrued.

Think of it as a "bank" of bereavement leave that exists separately from your regular paid and unpaid time off.

Am I Paid My Normal Wage While on Bereavement Leave?

Yes, Amazon pays employees their regular base rate of pay for approved bereavement leave. You do not have to use any accrued PTO or go on unpaid leave during this time.

Summary of Amazon‘s 2023 Bereavement Policy

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Your Time of Grief

Losing a close family member is one of the hardest life events. Having ample time to grieve without pay consequences can provide real comfort.

While Amazon‘s 2023 bereavement policy covers the initial days after a death, additional unpaid leave may be necessary in some cases. By understanding the policy details and planning ahead, employees can ensure they get the time they need during the difficult grieving process.