Under what circumstances are employees typically entitled to bereavement leave?

Employees are typically entitled to bereavement leave after the death of a close family member. This type of leave is meant to provide employees the necessary time to grieve and make necessary arrangements related to their loss, such as attending memorial services and spending time with family. Bereavement policies may vary by employer, including the definition of “close family member,” which often encompasses spouses, children, parents, siblings, and, in some cases, extended family.

The other scenarios mentioned do not align with the standard reasons for taking bereavement leave. Personal injuries relate to the employee's health and do not pertain to bereavement. Maternity leave is a separate entitlement that arises from childbirth and caring for a newborn, thus being distinct from bereavement. Attending a funeral of a colleague, while potentially sad, typically does not fall under bereavement leave policies unless specifically outlined by the employer, as such policies usually focus on close family relationships.