bereavement leave - what's normal?

Hi,


How long have people given their helper for bereavemet leave for a parent?


Trying to get an idea of what is normal.


Thanks

I think it depends on your relationship with your helper and how long you can give her. I think for me, I'd give her a week. It's paid and I think there's nothing much to do after taking her parent to the final resting place.


I also think the longer it is, the more difficult it'll be for her. So I'll try my best to give her encouragements when she comes back to HK.


If you're also close or if you can afford, you give her some extra cash or pay for her ticket home. Just a thought.

I hate to say this but - be careful that she is telling you the truth ... soooo many DH use this excuse to get either a free flight home + maybe some cash & then they never come back OR just a free holiday and then they do come back.


If you trust your helper, give her a week off and if you can afford it pay her airfare. Unless you have a VERY trusting relationship with her, I suggest asking her to pay the ticket initially and then repay her when she returns & resumes her work. That should prevent her doing a runner at your cost.


If she is new or you're not that close, be very careful and alert. As above, repay her airfare (if that's what you want to do & can afford it) after her return. Don't advance her any money, not even partial advance on her salary for that month. Be sure to notice how much luggage she takes with her - if she takes all her possessions she might not be intending to come back. Of course she is not your prisoner but if she wants to leave your employ, you are entitled to 30 days' notice or payment in lieu.


As to 'what is normal' - when my previous helper's brother died, I gave her 5 days off and she paid the airfare herself. She also showed me her brother's death certificate when she came back (she offered). That was what I could afford in terms of time/money at that time, but if you have a good helper and can afford it then you may wish to be more generous as your helper maybe asked to contribute to funeral expenses etc.