Many people struggle to think about, let alone discuss, death. Everyone handles loss and grief differently. Some process what happened immediately, while others take time. Managers may not know what to say when a team member requires compassionate leave. This blog looks at the best way to talk to staff about compassionate leave.

Avoid Asking Lots of Questions

The person may not want to discuss why they’re on leave or may still be processing the tragedy. Supporting the proposal is more important than understanding why they are making it. Here are several ways the compassionate leave recipient may request it and how you can respond with understanding:

• They may request compassionate leave, stating they have read the contract and their reasons meet the requirements. A good response would be, ‘Thanks for informing me. I trust you to take the necessary days.’
• They may simply say they need compassionate leave. You could respond with ‘I support you. As a vital team member, I trust you to decide what’s best for you. Want to take how many days? If you need more or fewer days, you can adjust this.’
• They may go into detail about the reason for the leave and get upset. You could respond by listening and offering them any options for help within the company for grief and loss.

Managers should ask compassionate leave applicants for permission to disclose details. Ask if they don’t want team members to contact them. Some may want others to know why they’re on leave, but others might not explain it until they return.

Ask How to Reach Them.

Unless they agree, your staff shouldn’t contact the person on leave or ask for enquiries about what happened. Tell your team to give the person space. Talking to the individual on compassionate leave about how they want to be reached makes the process go more smoothly. You could ask if they prefer you contact them or if they want to be the one to reach out. 

The important thing is that you and the leaver know what to expect from each other. You shouldn’t stress the individual on leave by ‘chasing’ them; otherwise, the leave won’t offer them the necessary space. 

Arrange Check-ins

Some people find waiting for one major check-in tough and prefer catching up every few days. But they’ll likely require time off work. Feeling that they can choose what’s best for them and alter their mind after processing their situation is calming and empowering.

Check-in with the compassionate leaver in a kind and humane way. How are they doing? Ask if you can help. If it suits your policy, let them know they can take more or less time to feel supported.

Contact UK Probate Reseals on 0208 1502010.